Ellen Jones

Ellen Louise (Ryerson) Jones died suddenly February 25, 2018 at the young age of 66, following a 4 1/2 year battle with breast cancer.

We know that she is now cancer and pain-free, in the arms of her Jesus, enjoying a beautiful heavenly home. We grieve deeply for our own loss.

Ellen leaves behind her husband: Paul Wayne Jones, her sister: Grace Irene Osborn, her sister-in-law Ruby Whitt Henson, sister-in-law Willie Christine Campbell, her children and their spouses: Kevin Mathew (Beth) Jones, Catherine Rebecca (Simeon) Miller, Valerie Elizabeth (Bob) Cornell, Ethan Paul (Joanna) Jones, her grandchildren: Raven Nicole Jones, Juliet Martine Miller, Hannah-Grace Ellen Cornell, Aspen Wendell Miller, and a granddaughter on the way, due in May. Also, her honorary granddaughter Lindsey Tyler Lunn.

Ellen was born in Mansfield, Ohio to the late John Wilmer Ryerson and Georgia Lennis Davis. She grew up in Ohio and Georgia with her younger sister, Grace. Birthdays were often celebrated with (preferably chocolate) cake and a day at the lake. Ellen's father would swim with the children as her mother watched from the shore. Grace holds many fond memories of these years. One story, often told, was of how the family owned chickens, including a rooster that would chase a very small Grace around the yard. One morning Georgia looked out the window to see the rooster was after Grace. "Oh well, Ellen will take care of it" she said. And Ellen, only a small child herself, did indeed. She always had her sister's back. The two more recently enjoyed weekly phone conversations and visits together filled with historical tours, gardens, and the search for the perfect quiche.

Ellen received her degree in Early Childhood Education from Asbury College in 1974. She met and married Paul Wayne Jones in Greenville, Mississippi, 1977. Paul was her beloved husband, friend, and constant companion for 40 years (09-02-77). During her time in Missippi Ellen taught at Greenville Christian School and raised four children, becoming a full-time homemaker after the birth of her first child. Teaching was always a great passion that continued throughout her life. Ellen and Paul moved to Kentucky in 2011. Ellen was so happy to be returning to the area of her Alma Mater. She was also overjoyed to live closer to her KY and OH family. Ellen and Paul enjoyed their involvement at Wilmore Free Methodist Church where they were able to put their faith in action. Ellen headed up the senior group Prime Timers for a year and was always available for whatever the church needed, reading scripture, and joining the welcoming commitee. Paul accompanied Ellen anywhere she wanted to go, often thrift shopping, getting more than her money's worth with her JCPenney's coupons, and rescuing flowers from Lowe's. The pair also enjoyed attending many events at The Jessamine Public library.

As a mother Ellen never missed an opportunity to tell her children how much she loved them and how beautiful they were. She was forever patient, kind, and fun-loving. She loved planning crafts, reading books and poetry, growing flowers, and celebrating holidays with her children. Wonderful memories include reading aloud The Adventures of Narnia and The Velveteen Rabbit, among many other classic works. Ellen was a never-ending source of unconditional love and support that her children and grandchildren will sorely miss.

One ministry very close to Ellen's heart was Operation Christmas Child. Ellen shopped all year for items to fill her boxes and also sewed original purses and doll clothes to go in the boxes. She was preparing to order her boxes just before she passed. In order to honor her memory and in lieu of flowers, items may be donated to Operation Christmas Child and brought to Wilmore Free Methodist Church for packaging. See the list of items that can be donated at this link: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/what-goes-in-my-shoebox-suggestions/. Alternatively checks may be received to pay for boxes and shipping costs. Write checks to WFMC, Ellen Jones Memorial.

After a private family scattering of ashes at the Lexington Cemetery, there will be a plaque in Ellen's memory at the Lexington Cemetery Scattering Garden.  Ellen's family will honor her with a Remembrance Memorial at 11:00 AM Saturday, March 17, at Wilmore Free Methodist Church.  They will greet friends at the church beginning at 10:00 AM until service time.  Hager & Cundiff is honored to serve Ellen's family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ellen Jones, please visit our floral store.