Marilyn Elaine (Gordon) Jones

Marilyn Elaine (Gordon) Jones passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her husband and family on December 7, 2018. Marilyn was born on September 11, 1930 to Clete and Mary Gordon in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She graduated from St. Augustine's High School, and married Desmond Jones on May 6, 1950 at the old St. Augustine church.

Marilyn took great joy in her role as wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. An active volunteer throughout her life, she was past president of the Leila Hospital Auxiliary, past president of the St. Jerome Women's League, and past president of the Galesburg Rotary. She was a Lifetime Rotary member, and was active in the Climax Rotary. She was also a founding member of the Board of Directors of the Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center.

For many years she had a silver and turquoise jewelry business. Nearly 40 years ago she founded Marilyn Jones Realty and remained active and interested in real estate until her death. She and her husband own Centennial Acres Tree Farm, and were award winning members of the Michigan Tree Farm Association as well as the Michigan Walnut Council. For nearly 65 years, she was an active genealogist, cataloging over 3,000 family ancestors from the past several hundred years.

Marilyn is survived by her husband of 68 years, Desmond, and by her children Mike (Sharon) of Delton, Gary of Galesburg, Kris (Ted) Jenkins of Battle Creek, and her brother John (Maxine) Gordon of Kalamazoo. She is also survived by 5 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and numerous good friends and relatives.

Family will receive friends at St. Ann's Catholic Church, 12648 East D Avenue, Augusta, MI 49012, on Tuesday, December 11, 2018 between 10:30 AM and Noon. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held immediately after the visitation at 12:00 Noon, followed by a luncheon for all friends and family at St. Ann's parish hall. Interment will be private at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Kalamazoo. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Marilyn Jones Scholarship Fund at the Sherman Lake YMCA Camp in Augusta, MI. Arrangements are being handled by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel. Personal messages and favorite memories may be placed here at wwww.farleyestesdowdle.com.