Shirley Jones

Shirley Jones passed peacefully on January 23, 2019 in Surprise, Arizona. She was 89 years old. She was born and raised in Montana where she met and married her high school sweetheart, Bill Jones, to whom she was married until his passing in 1994. Together Shirley and Bill raised five children, spending most of their life together in Tacoma, Washington and Bellevue, Washington. After Bill’s passing she relocated to Camano Island, Washington and established a part-time residence in Arizona, where she eventually became a fulltime resident in Surprise at the Happy Trails community.

She had many hobbies and passions over the years, including travel. Her adventures included trips to Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, the Holy Lands, and many other destinations. One of her more adventurous outings took her to the Arctic tundra to see polar bears in the wild. She also enjoyed outdoor activities, like hiking, cross-country skiing, and golfing. Shirley was a voracious reader and there was always a novel within arm’s reach. Mornings most often found her at the kitchen table with the local newspaper and a cup of coffee.

Shirley was a passionate music fan, especially of bluegrass music, and she loved playing her banjo. Most recently, she was part of a musical group at Happy Trails called Strings and Things. When still residing in Washington, she was active with the Old Time Fiddlers Association. For many years she attended the legendary Darrington Bluegrass Festival in Washington, as well as countless jam sessions and campouts with her fellow pickers.

A devout Christian, Shirley was always active in her church. For many years, she attended Church of the Resurrection in Bellevue, Washington where she served on the Altar Guild for 20 years. She also sang in the Happy Trails Christian Fellowship choir.

Shirley is survived by her children: Kathy Jones (Surprise, AZ), Coni Jones Corrothers (Burlington, WA), Kevin Jones (Bellevue, WA), and Kendall Jones (Seattle, WA). She was preceded in death by her daughter Carol Jones (Stanwood, WA). She is also survived by five grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and her sister Dorothy Brees of Great Falls, Montana.

Donations in Shirley’s remembrance can be made to St. Mary’s Food Bank. https://www.firstfoodbank.org

A memorial for Shirley will be held on Sunday, February 24th at 3:00 PM at Happy Trails Adult RV Park in the Performing Arts Center. Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Simply Cremation & Funeral Arrangements.