June 27, 1956 - June 16, 2022
Ronald Mark Jones, 65, of Wray, Colorado, passed away on June 16, 2022 knowing he was well loved. He was born to parents Robert Bruce “Bob” Jones, Jr and Barbara Jane “Janie” (Parker) Jones on June 27, 1956 in the hospital in St. Francis, Kansas.
Mark lived most of his life on the family ranch southeast of Wray. Though starting out his early education in the Laird School, Mark graduated with the Wray High School Class of 1974.
Mark married Susan “Susie” Marshall in May 1978 and became a proud father to Lori, John, and Travis.
Mark was known for his love of farming and dedication to the family ranch. Hell Gap Ranch, henceforth named after the discovery of multiple Hell Gap arrowhead points carries historical significance to Yuma County. In 1973, over 130 stone and bone artifacts and the bones of 300 ice age bison butchered over 10,000 years ago were uncovered. Information surrounding this archeological find is still on display as the Jones-Miller Site at the Wray Museum and on rotation at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. The 300 bison bones remain with the Smithsonian Institute. The National Geographic flag flown over the Jones-Miller Site (their only flag flown over a site in U.S. history) was donated by Mark to the Wray Museum.
Mark cared for the original sod house his grandparents Robert and Beatrice Jones purchased in 1937 and his parents Bob Jones Jr and Janie Jones restored.
Mark enjoyed watching sports in his free time. During his short hospital stay Mark was eager to watch his Colorado Avalanche win in the Stanley Cup finals game 1 surrounded by family. In his final days, Mark reminisced with family and friends and never stopped expressing immense love and joy for his children and grandchildren. Mark loved deeply and was deeply loved.
Mark is remembered by daughter Lori (Cory) Jeurink, son John (Hannah) Jones, and son Travis (Tiffany) Jones and a host of grandchildren (Ethan, Emily and Ellie Jeurink; Hadley, Dylan, and Blake Jones; and Layla and Aaron Jones); ex-wife Susan Adamson; aunts, uncles, several cousins, and his dog Banjo. Mark was preceded in death by parents Bob Jones Jr and Janie Jones, sister Sherry Bennett and nephew Blaine Gillmore.
At Mark’s request there will be no funeral or service. The family asks those that wish to honor Mark’s love of the ranch and its historical significance make a donation to the Wray Museum, the Jones Family Gravesite Trust C/O Wray State Bank, or any farm organization on the 66th anniversary of his birth, June 27, 2022.
Schmidt-Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
