Ruth E. (Ashley) Jones, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend was born September 25, 1924 to C.W. And Nina (Baker) Ashley on a farm south of Dallas, SD. She was the youngest of five children, Florence, Wilford, Allen, and Lowell. In 1931 the family moved to the Dixon area.

Ruth attended country school through eighth grade, most often walking 2 1/2 miles to school. She graduated from Gregory High School in 1942. She then attended Southern Normal Teachers College in Springfield, SD and came back to teach at Pocahontas rural school north of Dixon for three years. During the week Ruth stayed in a small one room house with no running water or electricity and only a small wood burning stove. Every morning she rose early to walk to the school and get the fire started so it was warm for the children. She loved teaching and she loved her students!

While she was teaching, Wilmer Jones, the love of her life, was serving overseas in the U.S. Army during WWII. Shortly after his return, they were joyfully united in marriage on December 21, 1945 and resided on their farm north of Dixon.

The following year Ruth retired from teaching to begin a family. She and Wilmer were the proud parents of Arthur, Ethel (EJ), Candace (passed away in infancy), Carla, and Clyde.

In 1955 the Jones family moved to Burke, SD, where they became half owners of the Burke Livestock Auction. Wilmer and Ruth also purchased a farm north of Burke in 1958. They always enjoyed gathering with family and friends, and inevitably the deck of cards came out and a fun game ensued! This remains a great family tradition. Ruth remained on the farm until her death at the age of 94.

She and Wilmer joined the Union Baptist Church when they moved to Burke and Ruth was an active and faithful member the rest of her life. She served as Treasurer of her church for many years. She found great comfort and inspiration from her church and the relationships that were formed over the years. She strongly believed in the power of prayer. If you asked her to pray for a concern, you knew she would faithfully do so.

In 1959 Ruth's husband Wilmer passed away unexpectedly. Ruth courageously dedicated the balance of her life to raising her children and nurturing her grandchildren. She cherished her many friends and family and always appreciated their support. Leading by example, Ruth worked to instill in her children the values that she cherished - kindness, generosity, gratitude, faith, fairness, understanding and acceptance, and devotion to God. Through her hard work and determination, Ruth was able to remain on the farm and raise her children there. She was a good steward of the land that meant so much to her and Wilmer.

In 1964 Ruth was elected Gregory County Treasurer and served in that capacity for 24 years. Even with the heavy load of all her responsibilities, Ruth retained a positive and optimistic attitude.

After her retirement as County Treasurer, Ruth took up quilting and joined the Quilting Club. She made over 100 beautiful quilts and numerous pillow-covers and table runners. Some quilts she tied and some she quilted by hand. Ruth blessed each of her family members with a beautiful quilt for them to treasure. She gave quilts to friends as wedding gifts and as love gifts.

At the encouragement of her children, Ruth traveled to Europe and all across the United States. As much as she enjoyed all her trips and adventures (including a hot air balloon ride for her 80th Birthday), Ruth loved being back home on the land she cherished. She was grateful for the privilege of witnessing the change of seasons, the sunrises, nature's beauty, and the wildlife. She felt great peace living in the quiet countryside at her "heaven on earth".

Ruth remained active and young at heart mowing her lawn until she was 93, shoveling snow when necessary, going for walks, driving, solving Sudoku puzzles, and doing her morning devotions and Bible reading. When Ruth was in her 80's she purchased the original family farm in Dixon as a legacy to pass on to her children.

Ruth is survived by her son, Art (Janice), daughters EJ (Randy) and Carla (Bob) and son Clyde (Noreen), eleven grandchildren and twenty-one greatgrandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilmer, her infant daughter, Candace, her parents, three brothers and one sister.

Ruth was a wonderful friend to many and will be greatly missed by all her friends and family.

Memorials may be sent to Union Baptist Church in Burke.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 29, 2019 at 10:30 AM at the Union Baptist Church in Burke. Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery, Burke. There will be a prayer service on Thursday at 7:00 PM at the church. Visitation will be one hour prior to both services at the church.