Isabelle Mae Jones

Isabelle M. Jones, 86, passed away June 15, 2012 in Ravenna. The daughter of Isabelle and Clyde Donahey. Isabelle (Izzy) was born on St. Patrick's Day in 1926 in Indiana, Pennsylvania. Her Irish and Scottish heritage, endless wit and devotion to God came together to create the inspiring, imaginative and caring woman Isabelle was. In 1952, she married Griffith A. Jones, who preceded her in death. Griff and Izzy lived in Edinburg, Ohio, where they raised their daughter and two sons. She was instrumental in the successful operation of Griff's business G. A. Jones Sohio. She later became an Ohio State Highway Patrol dispatcher who, even at 4'11 ", was never afraid to speak her mind to troopers and lawbreakers alike.

An avid reader always on the hunt for knowledge, Isabelle shared that passion with those around her. For years, she taught Sunday school to high school students at the Edinburg United Church of Christ, of which she was a member for 58 years. After 13 years at the Highway Patrol, Isabelle retired to take care of her granddaughter and great grandson. The proud grandmother of three grandchildren and three great grandchildren, she loved playing with them, as she said she never really grew up herself.

Isabelle became a resident of Emeritus Senior Living of Ravenna in 2004. Known for her sense of humor and positivity, Isabelle initiated and operated a Current Events Club and held Sunday church services for residents. At the least, Isabelle made the lives of those around her more interesting -at the most, far better. She will be loved and remembered by her daughter Patricia (Ralph) McKenzie, sons Mark (Debbie) Jones and Matthew (Sue) Jones, grandchildren Heath (Kristy) McKenzie, Heather McKenzie and Isabelle A. Jones, great grandchildren Alec DeRemer and Zachary and Ashley McKenzie, and sisters, Ruth Plekowski, Jean Fruit and Mary Jane Probst.

Isabelle truly took to heart the words of one of her favorite poets, Robert Burns: "Dare to be honest and fear no labor."

Calling hours will be held Sunday, June 24 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Edinburg United Church of Christ, 4081 Rock Spring Road. A service in celebration of Isabelle's life will directly follow the calling hours. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Robinson Memorial Hospital Visiting Nurse and Hospice, 6693 North Chestnut Street, Suite 11 A, Ravenna, OH 44266.