Rachel LaRue Jones

RACHEL LARUE JONES March 27, 1920 ~ December 10, 2013 "Even through difficult times, Rachel had a great sense of humor and a wonderful laugh. She knew how to be silly." Rachel LaRue Jones, 93, of Vancouver, WA, passed away Dec. 10, 2013, having touched many peoples lives. She was born March 27, 1920, in Cook, NE, though she was raised on a farm 2 miles south of Tecumseh, NE. Rachel was one of 5 daughters of Eva and Charles Hunt and she graduated from Tecumseh High School in 1937. Rachel received a teaching degree from Peru State College and her first job was teaching in a one-room school house similar to the one she had attended for her elementary education. She then moved to Lincoln and worked in the State Capitol for the cigarette tax division. This is where she most likely developed her rebelliousness and political background. Rachel met the love of her life, Earl Jones "EJ", and they were married July 7, 1956. She spent most of her life in Omaha, though moved to Vancouver, WA in 1995 to be closer to family. Being raised on a farm through the Depression was a difficult life and she carried thriftiness throughout life. She was quite adept at finding a good bargain and enjoyed the second hand stores. Serving her fellow man and especially the minorities was important to her. Throughout the years, Rachel was active in YWCA, multiple churches, women's rights organizations, Gray Panthers and the list goes on. Before moving to Vancouver, she moved back into the inner city to renovate a Victorian home and rebuild a neighborhood that had previously been troubled with racism. During all this time, Rachel was an artist and enjoyed painting the colorful people met in her daily activities. Her artwork was displayed in many businesses and restaurants. She helped develop one of the first art co-ops in Omaha which became The Passageway Gallery in the Old Market. Music was also a love and even months before her passing, Rachel was still playing the keyboard for fellow residents at her retirement home. Rachel is survived by her children: David Workman of Tecumseh, NE, Diane Bedlington of Renton, WA and Alan Jones of Vancouver, WA; eight grandchildren: David O'Connor of Plano, TX, Donald O'Connor of Kent, WA, Daniel O'Connor of Federal Way, WA, Jessica Meyer of South Carolina, Melissa Workman and Jennifer McFinton of Ypsilanti, MI, Trevor Jones of Vancouver, WA, Alara Jones of Vancouver, WA; six great-grandchildren; three sisters: Marilyn Swader of Santa Rosa, CA, Janet Horton of Houston, TX and Joanne Hoch of Oklahoma City, OK; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Jones; and sister, June Clements. Her life will be celebrated at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 4505 E. 18th St., Vancouver, WA, Dec. 19, 2013 at 1p.m. Memorials may go to Hospice SW who helped in her care over the last 2 years or to the Alzheimer's Association . - See more at: http://obits.columbian.com/obituaries/columbian/obituary.aspx?n=rachel-larue-jones&pid=168601589&fhid=5644#sthash.CP7xLcYM.dpuf

Rachel LaRue Jones

March 27, 1920 - December 10, 2013