Atha Jones

Atha Fern “Hunter” Jones, 91, Lawrence, passed away at Pioneer Ridge Nursing Facility on April 5, 2013.  Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 12th at Memorial Park Cemetery, Lawrence, Kansas.

Atha was born on May 18, 1921 in Williamstown, KS and was the oldest of six daughters born to William and Marie Hunter. She was a life-long resident of Lawrence and graduated from Lawrence Memorial High School in 1938.

Atha married Byron L. Jones on January 2, 1943.  He preceded her in death in June, 1999.  Also preceding her death were 3 sisters, Wilma Maness, Lila Maloney, and Barbara Brecheisen.

Atha held various jobs outside the home including working as a telephone operator in her younger years and working for Sears and Roebuck.  She was a member of First Christian Church and belonged to White Shrine where she was the Worthy Matron.

She retired, with her husband, to Southern Texas in 1966 and returned to Lawrence in 2003.  Her pride and joy was her family, her grandchildren, and her great grandchildren.

She is survived by her two daughters, Linda (Tom) Ratliff; Kathy (David) Guth, both of Lawrence; four grandchildren, Jennifer (Rick) Mills of Las Vegas, NV; Bill (Ali) Ratliff, Spring Hill, KS;  Andy Guth, Arlington, VA; Jim Ratliff, Lawrence; two great grandsons, Castle Ratliff and Samuel Mills; two sisters, Muriel Maness, Lawrence and Shirley Johnson, Baldwin City, KS.

The family suggests memorials to: Grace Hospice, Lawrence Humane Society, or the Contributors Choice.  The family would like to thank Grace Hospice, especially Jennifer and Lisa, and the Staff at Pioneer Ridge, both Asst. Living and Nursing facility, for taking such good care of our mother, “The Candy Lady.”