Barbara Jones

Barbara Ellen Larson Jones, beloved wife of Stanley C. Jones for over 56 years, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, March 5, 2014, after a courageous struggle with cancer and other health issues.

Barbara, the daughter of Howard and Dorothy Larson, was born in Duluth, Minnesota on July 19, 1932. She and her younger brother, Howie, grew up in Marquette, Michigan on the upper peninsula of Lake Superior. Her childhood years were marked by close friendships with fellow classmates at the John D. Pierce school, with a graduating class of 20.

After completing a degree in elementary education at Albion College and Michigan State University, Barbara moved to San Diego with two girlfriends to teach school. In San Diego, she met Stan Jones, who was stationed at the Navy Electronics Lab there. Soon afterwards, they were engaged and then married on August 17, 1957.

The couple moved to Ann Arbor where Stan completed a PhD at the University of Michigan. During this time, Barbara gave birth to their first son, Greg, in 1959 and two years later to their second son, David, in 1961. The family moved to Littleton, Colorado in 1962, when Stan took a job at the research center of Marathon Oil Company. Their third son, Eric, was born in 1966.

Barbara was a vibrant member of the community, and spent many hours helping both children and adults at schools and tutoring programs. She was also a dedicated volunteer at Craig Hospital for 11 years, serving as the president of the Auxiliary for part of that time. She remained an active member of her churches, especially the Littleton United Methodist Church, which was her final church home. Barbara also loved camping and traveling with her husband, and exploring multiple locations throughout the country and every continent of the world.

Barbara was well loved by friends wherever she lived. Her enthusiasm, humor, and genuine interest in other people meant that she was a stranger to few and a friend to many. Her positive influence will be cherished by friends and family including her 9 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren for years to come.

A memorial celebration of Barbara's life will be held at the Littleton United Methodist Church 5894 S. Datura St., Littleton on Friday, March 14, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Project Cure www.projectcure.org.

The family invites you to share your own memories and thoughts about Barbara in the online guestbook of this site.