Mary "M R Jones" Ruth Jones

 Mary Ruth Jones passed away on August 21, 2024 in Sun City West, Arizona. She was at home with her husband, and left peacefully. Mary was born July 8, 1953 in Olympia, Washington, to William and Lois Thomson. She graduated from Olympia High School in 1971. She spent some time after graduation working for the State of Washington, and then entered Western Washington University. She graduated from WWU with a degree in mathematics and computer science. Shortly after graduation she started her career with Pacific Northwest Bell in Olympia as an outside plant engineer.

She married Jim Jones on March 22, 1980. She continued to work for Pacific Northwest Bell in Chehalis, Washington, where her husband was a chef. In 1983, she and her husband moved back to Olympia, where they opened Fleur de Lys, a French restaurant. In 1991, they sold the restaurant and opened The Wine Loft. In 2016, they sold the wine shop and moved to Sun City West, Arizona.

Shortly after moving to Arizona Mary discovered weaving. She became an accomplished weaver, creating exquisite scarves as well as colorful, beautiful dish towels, place mats, table runners, and much more. She made many items to order. She leaves behind a legacy of woven items that she created with creativity and love.

In Arizona, Mary also enjoyed being by the pool, and spent many afternoons and evenings relaxing there – and playing water volleyball, another new passion. She also loved to bake, and would tinker with a recipe until it was just right. Some of her creations became legendary amongst her friends.

Mary was a longsuffering Seattle Mariners fan. They gave her a few moments of joy and excitement, many moments of disappointment, and years of frustration and stress. But still she loved them; one of the few things she was able to enjoy near the end of her life was watching a Mariner’s game.

Mary was very supportive of human rights, especially LGBTQ+ rights, and advocated for equality. She also was fervent in her support of those who might be viewed as “different;” she firmly believed everyone should be treated with dignity and respect.

Mary is predeceased by her parents and her brother Bill. She is survived by her husband Jim, her sister Anne (Terrell), her brother David (Motoko), her brother John, her niece Trisha Blair (Kyle), her nephew John, her grandniece Anna Blair, and her grandnephew Jordan Lubben.

At her request there will be no service.