Ruby Elaine Jones
February 19th, 2022
JONES, Ruby Elaine (nee Flathen)
83 years old
July 1, 1938 – February 19, 2022
Lloydminster, SK – Calgary, AB
On July 1, 1938 Albert Melvin Flathen and Grace Irene Flathen (nee Hollet) welcomed their first child Ruby Elaine. Elaine lived in Lloydminster AB and later in Lethbridge AB. She met Ronald Murl Jones and they married in 1957. They started their family and settled in Calgary. After several years as a homemaker, Elaine worked for Alberta Government Telephones, AGT. She advanced with the company. The company moved into the private sector becoming Telus and upon retirement Elaine was a respected manager. Elaine and Ron enjoyed a few brief years as Snowbirds with winters in Arizona and summers at Glennifer Lake AB. When Ron became ill, they made their home in High River. After his death, Elaine moved to Calgary to be closer to her children and grandchildren. She devoted many hours each month to volunteer projects with fellow Telus retirees, had card or dice game nights and enjoyed working out at a neighborhood fitness club.
After a health crisis in 2015, Elaine required daily care. She moved to Chinook Care Centre, the same facility where her mother in law, Lillian Gladys Jones was also receiving care. She enjoyed games and outings, participated in resident council meetings and was especially committed to the LinkAges program. Elaine was interviewed for the local television news when this program was featured. Elaine continued to receive excellent care at Chinook as her physical health declined.
Elaine leaves behind her sister, Millicent (Ross) Saundry of Trail, BC; sisters-in-law, Mary Flathen of Vancouver, BC, Dale Flathen of Calgary AB and Gail Braund of Calgary AB; her two loving daughters, Sandra (James) Kenney of Airdrie, AB and Karen Jones of Calgary, AB; her three grandchildren, Christopher (Kyla) Kenney of Calgary AB, Veronica Kenney of Airdrie, AB and Melissa Hanson of Calgary, AB; her sweet great-grandson ,Griffin Kenney of Calgary, AB; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Elaine was predeceased by her parents, loving husband of 39 years, Ronald Jones (1996); and her two dear brothers, Walter Flathen (2017) and Melvin Flathen (2020).
Elaine supported both the Alberta Cancer Foundation and Canadian Heart & Stroke. Please consider donating to one of these worthy organizations in lieu of flowers.
Messages:
Elaine and I were good friends growing up in Lethbridge. My mother and Elaine’s mother were friends also. My mother and I got our hair done at Graces hair salon in her home on 13 St North for years. We lived only a few blocks away and I would go home to play with Elaine in her home which was in the same house as her Mom’s hairdressing business. Knew her brothers Melvin and Walter, sorry to read they are deceased. Also meet Ron Jones. A very nice fellow. Elaine and I both had been victims of being struck by vehicles at different times at 13 St and 5th Ave North in Lethbridge. We both attended the United Church Sunday School along with our friend Freda Whapple, nee Davies. My husband and I visited Elaine in High River many years ago on our way home from Lethbridge to Delta, B C. and on a visit to Calgary we meet and had lunch in Calgary. We realized Elaine was having health problems and was living in a care home. I sent Christmas cards each year, but she didn’t reply and I hoped she was well. We send our condolences to her family and want to say, Elaine was a true friend and my heart goes out for your loss. Roberta Dixon/Slawson and Arnold Dixon….Surrey B.C.
Where to begin with what to say about Elaine Jones, the valiant fighter of this unrelenting demon she’s been fighting so bravely for so long. Let me first say that my my dad, Ken Jones, an only child, always spoke of Ron as the closest person in his life to a brother. He was devastated by Ron’s illness and subsequent passing. We four children were often reassured that we would be much loved and well taken care of as Ron and Elaine had made the very unique commitment of taking all 4 of us kids and keeping us together in the tragic event of something happening to our parents. I can clearly recall my mom, June, saying how very fortunate they were to have found someone so near and dear to be our guardians as it was very special to have found someone who would take all 4 children. I had the privilege of living in the same condominium project where Elaine had moved to from High River, which placed her in close proximity to her adored Sandy and Karen and their children. She was a meticulous lady who had first been involved in the selling of the units when she first moved into “Valleyview Park” in SE Calgary. Although our Units were located just a short walk from each other, we both had very busy lives and didn’t see each other as much as we might have. I always felt living so close to a “veteran” of the board helped my confidence level as well. She was very active with the group of Telus Retirees that she enjoyed so much. Later when she moved to Chinook Care Centre where her dear mother in law Aunt Lillian, was so close at hand, it made visiting them often quite a family affair. Cousin Gail Braund, Elaine’s dear sister in law, and if we were very lucky, one of Elaine’s daughters or grandchildren just might be there. Recently, when I visited with Elaine, her condition had worsened considerably. She was, of course, ecstatic about the birth of her first Great Grandchild, Griffin, and proudly showed off her photo album of him and smiled every time she mentioned either her grandchildren or the newest star, Griffin. She said to me that very day that being confined to a chair and having to fight for every breath and every word, really was not living! I thought as I left that day what an amazing warrior Elaine had been over the years and with blessings and some amount of luck, she could soon be with her beloved Ron. I feel it is always such a God given privilege to be at someone’s side as they pass over and I understand Sandra, Karen and Melissa were the privileged ones who were in her presence as she once again was in the arms of their dear dad, Ron, and her beloved husband, for the rest of eternity. Rest well Elaine and you two keep taking care of each other, both once again healthy and happy to watch over your beloved family, immediate and extended…
I especially remember Elaine's warm smile and welcome to myself and friends when I visited her about 5 years ago. She was a special social lady who stayed connected to her extended family. I have many fond memories of Elaine and family, she will be missed. My thanks to her family and staff at her care home for their generous support to her over these last few years. She is now at peace. My deepest sympathy to her family. Elaine's cousin Gaylene Ward
So sorry for your loss, may God give you strength in the days ahead. Linda and Steve
Elaine was like a sister to me. We enjoyed many holidays together, including a trip to my country, Australia. My late husband, Mel, was very close to Elaine as were our boys. We travelled to Calgary for many Christmases and we always felt welcome. We sure will miss her but she is at peace now. Rest in peace Elaine, we will miss you very much, Mary Flathen and our Vancouver family.
So sorry to hear of your loss. We always enjoyed our time visiting with Elaine. She was so genuine and showed interest in others. We remember her beautiful smile just like Walter's.
I enjoyed doing her hair all those years and the conversations we had. Lots of memories. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I wish the family peace and love .
Elaine held such a special spot in our family, as did Ron. They will always be in our hearts and our fun memories. Our thoughts, hearts, and endless hugs go out to Karen & Sandy and families in this difficult time, and ALWAYS. Sending so much love.
Elaine was a lovely caring and inquisitive person...i was fortunate to have spent time with her when she came with her friend Marilyn for a visit to LaPaz, Mexico... She is at peace now after struggling to breathe for so long...Fly with the Angels Elaine!
Elaine was a very dear friend of mine, we had known each other since we were in elementary school. My late husband and I were friends with her and Ron for many years. I am very sorry to hear of Elaine’s passing as she will be sadly missed. My sincere sympathy to her family.
Remembering your wonderful mother/grandma and wishing you comfort. She will always be with you. It's so hard saying goodbye. You will always remember how it felt to laugh with her and be loved by her. Hope these memories will bring comfort in time. Our warmest thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Thank you for sharing. We will miss grandma a lot. We’re grateful for the time we had with her and having grandma be such an important fixture in our lives growing up. Love you mom. Chris Kyla & Griffin
So sorry to hear of Elaine's death, Sandra and Karen. Although I didn't see Elaine often, I remember that she always had a lovely, bright smile. Take care and know that our hearts are with you at this time. Cousin Laurie and Eric
Sandra and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. You will always carry your mom in your heart.
I am very sorry for the loss of Elaine. My thoughts are with family at this time. Elaine will be dearly missed!
We took time today to read all these lovely tributes to Mom from family, friends, co workers and even our friends. It is a testament to Elaine’s personality that she has created bonds with so many people. We do find comfort in our memories and in the act of sharing these with each other. Thank you for your compassion and comfort. Sincerely, James and Sandra