Ronald Ray Jones

Born February 6, 1949, in Merrill, WI to Raymond and Violet (Zwirchitz) Jones. Ron grew up in a large, loving family and was close to his many Zwirchitz and Gamble Jones cousins. He is survived by his five sisters and their families: Joy Biniok (Jeff), twin Sandy Walter (Mark), Pam Jones, Ann Belongia (Pat), and Michelle Bronstad (Dale), and was preceded in death by his beloved sister Janice Sazama. He graduated from Merrill High School, where he excelled as an athlete. Ron proudly served in the US Marine Corps. He married Karen Peterson, his wife of 52 years, on December 22, 1973. Following his graduation from Simpson College (CA), he was ordained as a minister in 1978.

Ron and Karen faithfully served as missionaries in the Philippines for 20 years, ministering to the Teduray people in South Upi, Maguindanao. His contributions there are nearly too numerous to list but he was actively involved in Bible translation, humanitarian efforts, and sustainable development. Ron helped to establish a lay pastor’s training school and supported church planting. He sincerely respected his Filipino peers, embracing their culture whole-heartedly.

After they returned to the US, Ron and Karen served at the Glacierview Alliance Church in Palmer, AK for 11 years, before retiring in Yakima, WA, where they continued to serve others in the Yakima Alliance Church. Through the years, he served in numerous volunteer roles and on various community boards, always working to advocate for others and to build community.

Ron truly loved people and never met a stranger, treating all he met with dignity and respect. He spent his life in service to others, providing guidance and counsel to many. He especially loved connecting with others in his community, offering encouragement and a steady presence. He had an uncanny ability to remember names and faces and loved to regale his family and friends with his signature stories. He had a great sense of humor and an unshakeable faith – both of which sustained him as his Parkinson’s disease progressed.

Ron was an avid reader, especially loving books about theology. He also loved music and would often burst into song when he was reminded of an especially apt tune. Ron liked to work with his hands and was a well-known “Mr. Fix-it.”

Ron passed away in Yakima, WA. Ron was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Violet and sister Janice.

Ron is survived by his wife Karen and children Johanna (Kevin), Adam (Greg), Rachel (Clayton), and Martha, and his much-loved grandchildren Keira, Kellan, Liam, and Maya.

Ron will be greatly missed by his loving family and his many friends around the world. In his memory, we encourage you to reach out to an old friend or make a new one.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the many caregivers who have cared for Ron in recent years, especially Julie Wells, ARNP, Dr. Richard Sloop, and Dr. Ross Bethel. Their compassion and kindness have eased a difficult time.

A celebration of life is planned for the spring.