Roy Jones, 69
Roy Jones, 69, passed away Monday, May 21, 2007, at his home in Eureka, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born Nov. 29, 1937, at Mountain Brook in Creston to Harry and Jeanette (Mills) Jones. He was the youngest of 12 siblings.
In 1956, Roy joined the U.S. Air Force and was honorably discharged after four years of service.
He married Jo Ann Ryder, and two sons and one daughter were born to them: Mike Jones, Dave Jones, and Pam Ridenour. They later divorced. He later married Sue (Engebretson) Bunker. They had two daughters, Holly Kreider and Charity Leighty. Roy considered his three stepchildren, Kelly Sorg, Becky Williamson and Ron Bunker, as his own.
Roy spent most of his life in the Flathead Valley working in the woods as a sawyer. He was partners for a while with Jack Slack in their own logging operation. Roy loved working in the timber industry and made several lifelong friends who meant a lot to him.
He always was thrilled with the first mountain snowfall, which meant elk hunting season was close. Roy loved the outdoors, which helped inspire him to move to Eureka in fall 2005. The growth of the Flathead Valley was overwhelming to him, and he longed for a beautiful, peaceful area to retire to. He loved Eureka and the people there.
Roy's children and grandchildren were a great joy and comfort to him, and he cared a great deal for their well being. Roy enjoyed life and he looked forward to his early morning coffee sessions with the guys, both in Kalispell and Eureka.
Roy was a simple man who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He had his heart and priorities in the right place, and he had the love and respect of family and friends.
Roy is survived by his wife, Lorene 'Sue' Jones, of Eureka; his children, Mike Jones of Alaska, Dave Jones of Idaho, Pam Ridenour of Kalispell, Holly Kreider of Eureka, Charity Leighty of Creston, Kelly Sorg and Becky Williamson, both of Kalispell, and Ron Bunker of Columbia Falls; his brothers, Harry, Walt, Rex and Ron Jones; several grandchildren and stepgrandchildren; his daughters- and sons-in-law; sisters- and brothers-in-law; several nieces and nephews; and his 'adopted kids', as he fondly called them.
He loved them all and was touched in some special way by each one.
Memorial services for Roy will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 29, in the Johnson Mortuary chapel, with Pastor Ron Pierce officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the United Veterans of the Flathead.
Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Roy's family. You are invited to go to johnsonmortuary.com to offer condolences and sign Roy's guest book.