Ethel Jones
July 15, 1919 - February 23, 2019
Obituary
After a full and productive life, Ethel J. Jones, a devoted follower of Christ, passed into eternity on February 23, 2019. Ethel was born in Keytesville, Missouri on July 15, 1919, to Orvel and Emily Cavanah. When Ethel was very young, the Cavanahs moved to Montana so that Ethel's father could take a job as foreman of a ranch in Wheat Basin near Columbus. After graduating from Columbus High School, Ethel entered nurse's training at St. Vincent Hospital and became a registered nurse. She subsequently married prominent Billings attorney, Willis B. Jones, on July 3, 1942. Her wages as a nurse helped put Willis through law school. Ethel and Willis eventually bought some acreage west of Billings and spent over 40 years making the home place a uniquely beautiful property. Ethel cultivated large gardens, raised all manner of livestock and pets, and loved her “country” life. Her crowning achievement was making life a wonder and an adventure for her grandchildren. There were banana splits, tea parties, checkerboard cakes, rainbow jello, strawberry shortcake, baking pies, cakes, and cookies, and pressing apple cider. Ethel had enormous drive and endurance and she put it all into making life fun and exciting for the grandchildren. Ethel loved to travel as well. Willis and Ethel made a number of trips to foreign countries with the Fellowship Foundation sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Ethel had an unquenchable sense of humor that she displayed right up to the time of her passing. She was looking forward to heaven and her new life there, meeting her Savior face to face and once again being united with the husband that she missed and loved so much. Ethel is survived by her two sons, Orville B. Jones (Anabel) and Blair Jones (RomaLee), eight grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Orvel, her sister Virginia, and her beloved husband, Willis Jones. A celebration of Ethel's life will take place on her birthday in July when she would have turned 100 years old.
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Memories
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Nancy Pence
Other •
Both your mom and dad were dear friends of my folks Ralph and Vera Stenehjem. Those types of friendships are a gift from God. So sorry for your loss. I kept in touch with Ethel over the years as she regularly checked in on our mother Vera. Blessings to the Jones. Nancy Stenehjem Pence
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Janice Lennick
Other •
I'm Peachy Card's daughter, Janice. Ethel was a very special lady and a good friend to my Mom. I enjoyed sitting in on Mom and Ethel's visits and listening to some of their adventures. Making Christmas candy, apple cider and going to the ranch . They were both very special and very much loved.
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Patricia Seader
Other •
John and Pat Seader met Willis and Ethel in Arizona when John's brother, Bob and his wife, Barbara, visited us there and Barbara wanted to go see Ethel. Willis and Ethel had just started flying to Mesa and she was wondering how they could get their citrus fruit back to Montana. Pat said they had driven down in a pickup so maybe they could haul the fruit -- John couldn't believe how much fruit Ethel had on the driveway when he went to pick it up! So started a great friendship. We not only hauled fruit for several years, we shared many Thanksgiving and other meals together, creating a great friendship along the way. Ethel especially enjoyed going to Mexican restaurants.. She was a great cook and artist. We especially appreciate the lovely rose painting she gave us - red, John's favorite color.
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Wendy Watanabe
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I first met Ethel at a women's Bible study group a few years ago, and I was immediately impressed by her intelligence and wealth of basic Bible knowledge that was evident when she shared with the group, not withstanding the fact that she was well into her 90s. Equally impressive was her classy, vibrant style. She loved accessorizing, had an affinity for polka dots, and always looked very "chic." She soon became a cherished member of the Bible study "family" which eventually met regularly at West Park Village, a very convenient location for Ethel! I remember that we Bible study members felt a deep sense of loss last year when Ethel announced she was moving from her home at West Park Village to Laurel. However, the situation was remedied when a gracious Bible study member volunteered to pick Ethel up in Laurel and drive her to Billings for the weekly Bible study whenever possible. Last summer, I was touched when Ethel exuberantly expressed how much she had loved Bible studies over the years! I could sense the Lord's love, approval, and grace in her life. Oh, that we might all find time to seek the Lord diligently and with as much zeal as Ethel! "Well done, good and faithful servant!"- Matt 25:23
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James H. Hauswirth
Other •
Buzz & Blair, We just learned today of the passing of your mother. My father worked on the Keating Ranch during the late 1920's . He became very good friends of your grand parents and of course knew your mother when she was around 7 years old living on the ranch. Over the years I have visited Montana since the early 1950's. We moved to the Phoenix area in 1990 and contacted your parents at Leisure World many times. We found out on your mothers birthday in 2008 that Willis had passed away, We were in Montana on July 15th and we ended up taking your mother out to the ranch to visit Ted and his wife. I believe I talked to your mother a few days before she passed away. We were shocked today to find out she had passed away. James & Betty Hauswirth Mesa, AZ