Carol L. Jones

Carol L. (Grudier) Jones, age 86, passed away on April 4th, 2018 in Albuquerque, NM. She was born on May 3, 1931 to the late Phebe J. (Colburn) Grudier and Russell F. Grudier in Cambridge, Ohio, where she graduated from high school in 1948. Carol was a woman of abundant talents, interests, and passions. She possessed a never-wavering love for the Lord and believed fiercely in supporting her church. She and our late father were married nearly 50 years at the time of his passing on June 16th, 1999. Together they were devoted and steadfast founding members of Harvest Christian Fellowship, where she served on the Board of Elders for 6 years and held various offices. Since 2005 she was a member of First Christian Church, Cambridge and lovingly felt it to be her final church “home”. She was a gifted singer, performing with the Pittsburgh Civic Chorus as a young girl and continuing her music ministry throughout her life. No matter where the military took our parents, she immediately joined a church choir to praise God in song. She was a born entertainer, and adored participating in the Cambridge Community Theater productions, where she served on the Board of Directors, then later in many Cambridge Singers concerts. Singing and dancing with the Cambridge Singers brought her childlike excitement and joy and a lasting satisfaction of a job well done. She was also a former member of McClellan-Brown Sorosis Club (Cambridge) and Beta Sigma Phi (Columbus) sorority. Even as a child, Carol demonstrated a distinct talent for “writing out of the soul”. She was a prolific author of humanistic prose, illuminating short stories, and deeply moving poetry. Those who knew her well are familiar with her unfailing sense of humor, sharp wit, and uncanny ability to turn a phrase. She possessed the skill to produce a skit, limerick, song or poem under the most critical of deadlines. In short, she was a natural performer who thrived in the spotlight. These God-given creative talents did not overshadow a loving, generous heart, gentle soul, dancing blue eyes, and a smile that could simply light up the darkest room. Carol embraced life, and as such she enjoyed even the simplest of its moments. She most loved the Lord, her “Bobby”, six girls, all of her grand and great-grandchildren, her four-legged “kids”, many, many treasured friends, music, nature in all its majesty, literature, surprise bouquets of lilacs, Cambridge City Park concerts, eating out in restaurants, QVC, and watching Jeopardy. Further, she was simply unable to pass by a new baby without pausing to marvel and congratulate the beaming parents. Our mother is preceded in death by her husband of nearly 50 years, CW4 (Ret) Robert L. Jones and daughter, Laurel Jones Hill (Edward), both of Cambridge. She is survived by five daughters: Sharlou Jones-Wrench (James) of Edgewood, NM; Leslie Jones Wilson (Steve) of Dayton, OH; Linda Jones of Byesville; Amy St. Clair (Nick) of Caldwell; and Paula Spooner (Jack) of Spanish Fort, AL. Carol is also survived by a very loving, dedicated lifetime family friend, Trish (“Patti”) Haines of Cody, WY. Mourning her passing include 23 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, a brother, Russell F. Grudier Jr. (Martha) of Coshocton, many nieces and nephews, and hundreds of treasured friends from her life travels. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 5th, 2018 at First Christian Church of Cambridge. Rev. Deborah Bolen will officiate the service. Carol's on line tribute wall may be viewed and signed at www.bundy-lawfuneralhome.com.

Carol L. Jones

May 3, 1931 - April 4, 2018