Mary Jane Jones

Mary Jane Jones, 96, a longtime resident of Elma, Washington, peacefully passed away at her home on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, surrounded by family.

Born on January 13, 1930, in Tyrone Township, Michigan, to Harmon and Muriel Straugh. She was 1 of 7 children and spent her early years in Tyrone before her family moved to Hillman, where she graduated from Williamston High School in 1948. During her school years, Mary enjoyed babysitting for local families, showing the caring nature that would define her life. She soon met the love of her life, Nathan Jones, and the two fell head over heels for one another. They were married on December 28, 1948, and began building a beautiful life together in Williamston, Michigan. Together they welcomed 5 children into their family; sons, Michael and Frederick, and daughters: Pamela, Alice, and Shirley. The family later relocated to Copalis Crossing, where Mary worked at the Beachwood Motel. Eventually, they settled in Elma, finding their forever home. Mary generously volunteered with the Elma Elementary School, always eager to lend a helping hand and make a difference.

Mary found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved knitting, sewing, and gardening, and had a special gift for anything she planted. An avid reader, she enjoyed reading historical romance novels on her Kindle, as well as playing solitaire, completing jigsaw puzzles and word searches. Her generous heart led her to knit hats for cancer patients, quietly giving comfort to many she never met. Above all else, Mary cherished her family. They were her greatest blessings, and she would do anything for them at a moment’s notice. She treasured each opportunity to spend time with those she loved and served as the heart of the family. A devoted matriarch whose warmth, compassion, and unwavering support touched generations. Her religion and church were very important to her. She attended the Elma Baptist Church and found an extended family in her fellow church members. She will be missed beyond measure and remembered with enduring love.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Nathan Jones; her children: Michael Jones, Pamela Smith, and Alice Arnold; her parents, Harmon and Muriel Straugh; her brothers: Don and Paul Straugh; her sisters: Eva Cheney, Joyce Premeaux, Helen Madison, and Ilah Monroe, and her grandchildren: Roy Jones, David Hartford, Joshua Arnold, and Jonathan Arnold.

Mary is lovingly survived by her son, Frederick (Susan) Jones, of Elma, Washington; daughter, Shirley (Roger) Thornton, of Moses Lake, Washington; her grandchildren: Michael (Ann) Hillock, of Raymond, Washington, Jeremiah Jones, of Moses Lake, Washington, Nathanael Arnold, Christopher Jones, of Elma, Washington, Nicholas Jones, of Rochester, WA, and numerous great-grandchildren, along with many extended family who will forever cherish her memory.

A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church in Elma on July 12, 2026, at 1 P.M. Please visit www.fernhillfuneral.com to leave a note of condolence for the family. Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.