Mary "M R Jones" Ruth Jones

Over the last ten years I have been blessed with Mary’s friendship. She has left an indelible print upon my heart. Mary had great strength of character, was singularly determined, and was a fierce advocate when it came to standing up for the underdog (yes, even her Mariners) or championing the causes that were dear to her. She was community minded and volunteered readily, and as a result, her community was all the richer for her efforts. As strong as she was in spirit, Mary was also a big softie at heart. She could tear up listening to a moving song , or a beautifully written passage, or when pondering the plight of the less fortunate - particularly children. She loved to shop for clothing and shoes for kids when her weaving guild raised donations for a charity event, and she took great joy in shopping for toys at Christmas for the local Fire Department’s annual Christmas toy drive. I admired Mary’s drive to learn. Her creativity was matched only by her determination to master a skill, be it weaving, or baking, or creating intricate computer patterns that she could realize on her loom. She was an artist on that loom; forever a student and often a mentor. She gifted me many pieces that I will treasure forever. Mary had a quick dry wit and was practical to the point of being disarming. Glenn still cracks me up recounting an Estate Sale shopping expedition he undertook with Mary and Jim. While the guys were struggling to load up a granite garden bench into the SUV (that Jim got one heck of a deal on, of course!), Mary emerged from the house triumphant, waving a toilet plunger. Glenn doubled over with laughter as Mary announced that this was exactly what she needed. Mary bravely shared her ups and downs as she took on the challenges of her illness especially in this last year. It takes great courage to be that open and vulnerable. I admire her for that as well. I will hold forever in my heart, memories of great times around Mary and Jim’s dining room table enjoying her amazing chocolate tart, her mom’s carrot cake (which she perfected) and her honey wheat buns. I will remember always, going to outdoor concerts together at the Sun City West community center, gatherings in the ‘Fiesta Gazebo’ or relaxing in Mary’s ‘No Fly Zone’. I miss Mary already, and I grieve with Jim, and Anne and Terrell, and David and Motoko, Trisha, Kyle, Anna and Jordan. George Eliot famously wrote: “Our dead are never dead to us, until we have forgotten them.” I know I will never forget Mary, so she will forever live in my heart. With love, Maureen and Glenn Calgary, Alberta /Surprise, AZ

Over the last ten years I have been blessed with Mary’s friendship. She has left an indelible print upon my heart. Mary had great strength of character, was singularly determined, and was a fierce advocate when it came to standing up for the underdog (yes, even her Mariners) or championing the causes that were dear to her. She was community minded and volunteered readily, and as a result, her community was all the richer for her efforts. As strong as she was in spirit, Mary was also a big softie at heart. She could tear up listening to a moving song , or a beautifully written passage, or when pondering the plight of the less fortunate - particularly children. She loved to shop for clothing and shoes for kids when her weaving guild raised donations for a charity event, and she took great joy in shopping for toys at Christmas for the local Fire Department’s annual Christmas toy drive. I admired Mary’s drive to learn. Her creativity was matched only by her determination to master a skill, be it weaving, or baking, or creating intricate computer patterns that she could realize on her loom. She was an artist on that loom; forever a student and often a mentor. She gifted me many pieces that I will treasure forever. Mary had a quick dry wit and was practical to the point of being disarming. Glenn still cracks me up recounting an Estate Sale shopping expedition he undertook with Mary and Jim. While the guys were struggling to load up a granite garden bench into the SUV (that Jim got one heck of a deal on, of course!), Mary emerged from the house triumphant, waving a toilet plunger. Glenn doubled over with laughter as Mary announced that this was exactly what she needed. Mary bravely shared her ups and downs as she took on the challenges of her illness especially in this last year. It takes great courage to be that open and vulnerable. I admire her for that as well. I will hold forever in my heart, memories of great times around Mary and Jim’s dining room table enjoying her amazing chocolate tart, her mom’s carrot cake (which she perfected) and her honey wheat buns. I will remember always, going to outdoor concerts together at the Sun City West community center, gatherings in the ‘Fiesta Gazebo’ or relaxing in Mary’s ‘No Fly Zone’. I miss Mary already, and I grieve with Jim, and Anne and Terrell, and David and Motoko, Trisha, Kyle, Anna and Jordan. George Eliot famously wrote: “Our dead are never dead to us, until we have forgotten them.” I know I will never forget Mary, so she will forever live in my heart. With love, Maureen and Glenn Calgary, Alberta /Surprise, AZ

Wonderful giving lady. She left a footprint in weaving!

Wonderful giving lady. She left a footprint in weaving!