Ina Lee (Wilson) Jones

Ina Jones (Wilson), age 82, a longtime resident of Benson, AZ, passed away on August 15, 2022.  After a brief time under hospice care, Ina succumbed peacefully.  She received constant loving care by her family, the wonderful staff of the Garnet of Casa Grande Assisted Living and Hospice Family Care.

Ina was born on August 9, 1940, in Tucson, Arizona, to Leland and Inez Wilson.  She spent her early years in Patagonia, Arizona and then moved with her family to Benson, Arizona.  Ina graduated from Benson Union High School in 1958 where she was involved in various school activities.    After high school graduation, Ina attended ASU before marrying the love of her life, Max David Jones, on January 30, 1959.  The newlyweds moved to Silver City, New Mexico where they both attended Western New Mexico University until Max graduated in 1961.  They then moved to Canelo, Arizona when Max began teaching at Patagonia Union High School.  Daughter Melinda (Mindy) was born in 1961 and son, David (Troy) in 1962. 

In 1964, Ina and her family took a leap of faith and began an adventure of a lifetime, when they moved to Guam and the Micronesian Islands of Saipan and Palau.  While in Guam, Ina taught business education at George Washington High School.  Youngest daughter, Rachelle (Shelly), was born in Guam in 1967.  While busy working and raising her family, Ina completed her bachelor’s degree.

In 1972, Ina and her family returned to Arizona where she and Max joined her father, Leland Wilson, (owner of Benson Insurance agency) in business.  This partnership later became Jones-Wilson Insurance & Investments, Inc.  Ina worked as the business bookkeeper/accountant, even after they sold the business to son Troy in 1997.  She eventually retired in 2014.

Ina was a proud member of the Benson Community and especially loved the 4th of July celebrations and local craft fairs.  She served as a Deacon for the Community Presbyterian Church, as a member of the Benson Library Board and strong supporter of the volunteer fire department.  Ina started her days by completing daily crossword puzzles, was an avid reader and enjoyed playing bridge.  She could often be found puttering with her roses and other plants. 

Ina loved to travel, and throughout her adult life explored new places all over the world with Max, family, and dear close friends.  Many weekends were spent in her husband’s beloved Jeep, Old Blue, exploring nearly every off-road inch of southern Arizona.  Trips to the beaches in Mexico were frequent and cherished adventures for Ina and her family; as well as annual summer trips exploring the western & midwestern United States.  Ina instilled a love of family and travel in all her children and grandchildren.

Ina was a dedicated and compassionate caretaker to many elderly and sick family members including her parents, her in-laws, aunts, and her sisters.  She selflessly and lovingly took several elderly relatives into her home and saw to their daily needs.  During her husband’s long battle with Alzheimer’s, Ina cared for him at home until his last days.

Ina’s greatest joy came from time with her family where she was the proud matriarch.  She loved the holidays and would decorate and plan for holiday gatherings for weeks.  She thrived when the family came together and loved having everyone at her beautifully decorated table.  Her children and grandchildren marvel at the fact that she never missed a single ball game, school play or awards ceremony; even traveling great distances to be their number one fan in the stands! 

Ina is survived by son Troy Jones and daughters Mindy Jones Seymour (Rick), Shelly Jones Snell (Ben), and Debbie Booth Noonan, and honorary son Toby Smith.  She is also survived by grandchildren Drew Jones, Brent Sherman (Twyla), Megan Jones (Dan Slocum), Jessica Smith (Chase), Zachary Snell, Ethan Snell, Christine Noonan, Lauren Noonan, and honorary grandson Ryan Smith (Kirsten).  Ina was so proud to be a great grandmother to Brenley and Karsyn Smith, Jaxon Jones, Hudson and Maddie Slocum, Logan Sherman, and honorary great grandchildren Rylynn and Kole Smith. 

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Richardson’s Remembrance Center in Benson, Arizona.  A funeral service will take place on August 22, 2022 at 10:00am in the chapel at Richardson’s Remembrance Center, Benson, Arizona.  Following the service, a brief reception luncheon will be hosted by the Presbyterian Deacons at the Community Presbyterian Church in Benson, Arizona.  Ina’s burial internment will be at 1:30pm at the Gatlin and Jones Cemetery in Patagonia, Arizona.  All family and friends are welcome at both services.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ina’s name to St. Jude’s or the Community Presbyterian Church. 

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