Marilyn Jean Southward Jones, age 77, of Cromwell, Indiana, and formerly of Marion, Ohio, died Sunday morning, February 10, 2013, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka, IN, following a long, hard and ferocious battle with cancer.
On October 2, 1935, Marilyn was born in Marion, Ohio, one of eleven children of the late Harley and Lena (Bash) Southward. She graduated from Marion Harding High School in the Class of 1954.
Shortly before graduating, Marilyn married a young veteran who had just recently been discharged from serving in the Air Force, Jon Roger “J.R.” Jones, on March 14, 1954. The couple had been introduced to each other through their mutual friend and brother-in-law, Richard Prater. Together they shared over 58 years of marriage and lovingly raised five children. He preceded her in death on November 10, 2012.
A loving homemaker, Marilyn devoted her life to raising her children and caring for her family. She also helped in any way she could with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
After her children were of teen age, Marilyn worked for several years at the Carousel Hot Dog Stand in the Southland Mall, with her sister, Middie Prater.
In the late 1980’s, Marilyn and Jon moved to Cromwell, Indiana, for his work with ConRail, where they resided on Lake Wawasee. While there, she was active with the Women’s Auxiliary with the American Legion in Syracuse, Indiana, and had served as their secretary for many years.
With a love for traveling, Marilyn, Jon and family enjoyed camping together all of their lives. After raising their family, Marilyn and Jon enjoyed traveling all throughout the U.S. and Internationally.
A talented seamstress, Marilyn made a lot of her children’s clothes as they were growing up, and even made outfits for her and Jon’s square dancing club, Hicks and Chicks. She also was very artistic, especially enjoying drawing cartoons.
Marilyn will be dearly missed by her five children: Cynthia (Randy) Hartman of Marion, OH, Candice (Gregg) Shelton of Smithfield, VA, Jon R. Jones II of Cromwell, IN, Daniel (Jon’na) Jones of Marion, OH, and David (Tanya) Jones of Goshen, IN; nine beloved grandchildren who lovingly referred to her as MeMa: Jeremy (Jennifer) Hartman, Jared Hartman, Jeffrey (Amy) Hartman, Jennifer Hartman, Ashley Music, Jessica (Jory) Baugher Matthew Jones, Casey Jones and Sarah Shelton; eight great-grandchildren: Kelsey Hartman, Kyle Hartman, Cana Stiverson, Aidan Hartman, Tristan Hartman, Zeke Hartman, Brynna Hartman and Cason Marks; a sister, Mildred Prater of Marion, OH; and numerous nieces and nephews who remember her fondly.
Including her husband and parents, Marilyn was preceded in death by five sisters: Ruth Armstrong, Dorothy Saunders, Avonelle Williams, Goldie Robinson, and Eloise Southward (in infancy); and four brothers: Earl, William, Harold, and Jack Southward.
Marilyn’s family will greet friends from 9 – 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 16th, 2013, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services celebrating her life will follow there at 10:00 a.m. with her nephew, Pastor Richard Prater officiating. Burial will follow in Marion Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in care of the American Cancer Society, 5555 Frantz Rd., Dublin, OH 43017.
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Marilyn’s family and your private condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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