Duane P. Jones

1930 - 2011

Duane P. (Nordstrom) Jones
Duane died peacefully at her daughter and son-in-law's home in Selah, WA, April 1, 2011. She was born on July 6, 1930 to Clifford and Marie Nordstrom in Seattle, Washington.

Duane and her mother, Marie, moved briefly to Wapato, WA before settling in Ellensburg, WA. Val Bradshaw joined the family when he married Marie in 1942. Val and Marie moved to Kent, but Duane chose to stay in Ellensburg to finish school.  Harold and Clara Wales opened their hearts and their home to Duane who was raised with their own children: Joan, (her best friend) Hal, Bill and Shirlie. Throughout her life Duane often remarked that they were so good to her, and she had a wonderful home with them.

Upon graduation from High School in 1950, Duane and Joan moved to Seattle where Duane landed a job at Boeing. There, she met and married William M. (Bill) Jones, Jr. Within a year the first of their four children, William M. (Bill) III, was born. Two years later another son, Wayne, joined the family.

In 1958 the Air Force transferred Bill to the Bomarc Missile bases at Long Island, NY and Newport News, VA. During their stay on the east coast their third child and only daughter, Deborah (Debbie), was born. Bill was called back to Seattle in 1962 to work as a quality control inspector for NASA in Boeing Aerospace Division. This time the family chose to reside on Vashon Island. Their last child, Bradley (Brad), was born there.

While on Vashon Bill opened his own business, Bill's Marine & Fix It. Duane worked as secretary and bookkeeper. Her next position working for the K2 Ski Company afforded her the opportunity to meet several World Champion skiers. She felt honored to have worked for Bill Kirshner, founder of K2 Ski Company, and cherished his friendship.

In 1977 Duane and Bill's dream of retiring to Ellensburg to be with their family was realized. Not one to truly retire, she kept busy. She worked for Happy's Serv U, Hallmark Cards, as well as her last official job for the Ellensburg School District in the high school kitchen. With each employment opportunity she made many lasting friendships.
In 2000 while being a caregiver to her dear husband, Duane was diagnosed with leukemia. The next 11 years proved to be the greatest health challenge of her life. Through her many cancer treatments,
broken bones, and surgeries, she always brought happiness to those around her in spite of the pain and suffering she experienced.
Duane's greatest joy was caring for others. She had an enduring faith in her Lord Jesus, and she touched every life with her love. 
Duane was preceded in death by her husband, William M. (Bill) Jones, Jr.  She is survived by her four children: Bill of Selah, Wayne of La Conner, Debbie (Rick) Poulin of Selah, Brad of Ellensburg; sisters: Sister Joan Wales of West Seattle, Shirlie (Rich) Hoctor of Ellensburg;  seven grandchildren: William M. (Billy) Jones IV, Brandon (Lea) Jones, Chance (Jacque) Bettis, Jaris Bettis, David Jones, Kimberly Jones, and Melisa Jones; three step grandchildren: Melanie (Jake) Runkel, Ty (Alissa) Jared, and Josh Jared; nine great grandchildren: Hailey, Ember, Paige, Karissa, Savannah, Shane, Brynn, Madison, Ashlynn; four great step grandchildren: Koleman, Hudson, Ms. Ellie, and Trenton and a brother-in-law, Ronald "Bud" Jones of LaConnor, WA.
 
The family would like to express their gratitude to the medical professionals who provided care for their mother, especially Dr. Thomas Boyd and staff, Dr. Ryan Moultray and staff, the CCU staff at Memorial Hospital, Bobby and Sheryl with Home Health Care, Kate, Kathy, Shelby, and Pastor Dan with Memorial Hospice. These special people blessed the last few months of Duane's life.
 
 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Memorial Hospital Hospice, 1019 S. 40th Avenue, Yakima, WA 98908, in memory of Duane Jones.

Viewing: noon to 4:00PM Thursday, April 7, and Friday, April 8, at Affordable Funeral Care, 101 East 2nd Avenue, Ellensburg, WA. Vigil services: 5:00PM Friday, April 8, at St. Andrew's Catholic Church, 401 S. Willow St., Ellensburg, WA. Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00AM Saturday, April 9, at St. Andrew's Catholic Church, Ellensburg.

Affordable Funeral Care, Yakima, is entrusted with the arrangements.