JONES Carol Steffens Jones was born in Columbus, Ohio on January 1, 1940, and passed peacefully to Heaven on November 14, 2012. She was the only child of Carl and Josephine Hildebrand. Carol graduated from North High School in Columbus, and obtained her B.S. from The Ohio State University, and her Paralegal Certificate from the University of California San Diego. Carol married Dr. James Steffens, who passed in 1972. Carol and Jim had two children, George James Steffens and Carl James Steffens. Carol married R. Michael ("Mike") Jones in 1978, and Mike then adopted George (MikYeong), and Carl (Monica). The family moved to Colorado in 1979, where they lived in a cabin at 8,200 feet elevation in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in Howard, Colorado. Carol and Mike were the founders of Real American Actionwear, Inc., an apparel manufacturing company, and along with their best friend John Pyson, built the company into one of the largest businesses in Salida, Colorado, employing over 100. Carol was the Chief Operating Officer of RAA. While living in Colorado, Carol loved to ski, hike, and golf. Carol even tried a little fly fishing, netting a prize rainbow trout on her first day on the water, much to the dismay of the experienced anglers with her who had no luck at all. After selling Real American Actionwear in 1994, Carol and Mike operated Jones Excavating Co. Carol enjoyed working outdoors with the construction crew, and in addition to running the office, was often on the jobsites with a shovel in hand or operating a bulldozer. In 1997, Carol and Mike moved to San Diego, where Mike attended Law School, and Carol completed her paralegal certificate. They lived in downtown San Diego, where Carol loved the urban environment. While many find the street noise irritating, Carol enjoyed the sounds of the trolleys, trains and traffic. Carol logged hundreds of miles on the downtown streets and bike paths as a pedestrian and cyclist. Carol was undeterred by a major stroke in 2004, and switched to a three wheel recumbent bike, on which she rode over 1,000 miles. Despite her disabilities, Carol continued to be semi-independent until her final illness. Carol and Mike spent much of their free time on their small fishing boat in San Diego Bay. Carol loved to read and take in the harbor scenes while Mike fished. Carol made friends wherever she went. Her good nature, positive attitude and determination in overcoming obstacles was, and will continue to be an inspiration for many people. Carol is survived by her loving husband, Mike; her two sons, George (MikYeong), and Carl (Monica); three grandchildren, Daniel (16), Ella (6) and Matthew (4); Aunts Gladys Childress and Elizabeth Druns, numerous cousins, and hundreds she has touched in one way or another. A Memorial Service will be held at Karl Rd. Baptist Church, 5750 Karl Road, Columbus, Ohio at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 17, followed by burial in Concord Cemetery in Ross County, Ohio. A Celebration of Life will be held in San Diego at date to be announced. The family requests donations be made to Father Joe's Village in San Diego in lieu of flowers.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Carol was such a good friend to my wife Patti and a blessing to so many others.
Mark White
November 19, 2012
We love you Carol! You have been an important part of the Jones family since the day we met you. Mike, George and Carl were blessed with your love, advice,encouragement and unfailing love. I know they treasure everyday spent with you.
Lisa Shafer
November 19, 2012
We are all richer from having Carol in our lives. She was always beloved by her friends and family.
Katie Southard
November 19, 2012
Bless You Carol
Helen Lambrou
November 16, 2012
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