Rose Marie Jones

Rose Marie Jones of Portage passed away Sunday September 11, 2016 at Bronson Methodist Hospital. Rosie was born May 2, 1927 into a small Swedish neighborhood in Chicago, IL the daughter of Harry and Ethel (Lyckman) Stenson. Her family moved to Austin, TX in 1929 where she attended public schools and The University of Texas. She was a member of Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Austin. On September 3, 1948 Rosie married Jack Jones, who survives. Rosie and Jack moved north to snowy Michigan in 1956 for Jack’s employment at Western Michigan University. Rosie was a stay at home mom; a woman of God; instilling Christian values in her children. She was a scout leader, room mother and her children’s biggest fan; always being on the sidelines of sporting events. She loved unconditionally and insisted on honesty in every situation in life. She loved to golf, bowl and camp; and never met a craft project she did not like to tackle! Her quiet demeanor and gentle spirit won the hearts of many. You could take Rosie out of Texas but you could not take the “Texas” out of Rosie; and after Jack’s retirement in 1984, they moved back to Texas to care for aging parents and reunite with a large Swedish family rich in traditions and family get-togethers. In 2010 Rosie and Jack once again moved to Portage, Michigan to be near family; where four generations were abundantly enriched and challenged with Rosie’s struggle with dementia. She attended Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Portage. Also surviving is a son Garry Jones of Austin, TX; daughter, Cristy (David) Peterson of Portage; brother, Harry Stenson, Jr. of Lima, Peru; four grandchildren, Jacob (Lauren) Peterson, Emily (Cody) Bowman, Lindsay (Joshua) Comins, Taylore Peterson; and great-grandson, Kai Comins. She was preceded in death by a brother, Willard “Buddy” Stenson. Because you cannot take the “Texas” out of Rosie, she will be laid to rest in Austin, Texas. On Monday, September 19, 2016, a memorial service will be held at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 1747 W. Milham, Portage, MI at 3:00 pm. Visitation with family will begin an hour prior to the service and immediately following the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to National Alzheimer Association Michigan Chapter (http://www.alz.org/join_the_cause_donate.asp). Arrangements by Redmond Funeral Home, 4100 S. Westnedge Ave. Kalamazoo, MI 49008 (269) 349-7735. www.redmondfuneralhomes.net