Katheryn Elizabeth Jones

Elizabeth Harger Jones

February 18, 1936 - December 24, 2025

Elizabeth Harger Jones, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and dedicated community servant, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025. She was born Katheryn Elizabeth Harger on February 18, 1936, in Columbia, Mississippi, to Robert Lee Harger, Sr. and Ella Marie McPhail Harger. She spent her early years in Columbia before moving to Houston, Texas, where she pursued her passion for nursing. Elizabeth graduated from the University of Houston College of Nursing and Hermann Hospital in 1957, marking the beginning of a life devoted to care, compassion, and service to others.

On October 12, 1957, Elizabeth married Dr. Gale Owen Jones, in Columbia, Mississippi. Together they built a wonderful life filled with devotion, partnership, and purpose. They welcomed two sons, Kevin Harger Jones (1961) and Grant Owen Jones (1967), who remained the pride and joy of their life.

Elizabeth's early career included meaningful work at John Gaston Hospital and Crump Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. She was an active and engaged member of the medical community, serving as a member and President of the Student Wives of the University of Tennessee Medical Units.

Elizabeth and Gale later made their home in Mission Hills, Kansas, where they raised their sons and created a lifetime of cherished memories. During these years, Elizabeth devoted herself to civic leadership and charitable service. She held membership and leadership positions with several organizations, including:

Jackson County Medical Alliance

Missouri State Medical Alliance

Research Hospital Auxiliary

Southern Medical Association Auxiliary

She served on the Greater Kansas City American Red Cross Board and was both Board Member and past Chairman of the Visiting Nurse Association of Kansas City. She also served as a Board Member and past Chairman of Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care, where her leadership was instrumental in the planning, construction, and opening of the Kansas City Hospice House—a legacy of comfort and dignity for families that continues to this day. Elizabeth was also an active member of Country Club Christian Church and cherished her faith community.

In 2007, Elizabeth and Gale moved to the peaceful rural community of Ethel, Missouri, where they enjoyed treasured years surrounded by family, friends, and the beauty of country life. Elizabeth became an Elder of the Ethel Community Church and remained engaged in support of local causes. In later years, they made their home at Novel Place, a warm and welcoming community in Kansas City, where they spent their final years together.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Martha Eugenia Harger Dougherty, her brother Robert Lee Harger, Jr. and her beloved husband Dr. Gale Owen Jones.

She is survived by her sons, Kevin Harger Jones and Grant Owen Jones; her daughters-in-law Elizabeth Coombs (Culver City, CA) and Jennifer Nevin (Rockville Centre, NY); and her cherished granddaughters Lisette Patrice Jones and twins Madeleine Zoe Jones and Poppy Morgan Jones. She is also survived by her brother Charles Joseph Harger and sister-in-law Joanna Marie Harger, along with many dearly loved cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who will forever hold her memory close.

Elizabeth's life was defined by quiet strength, steadfast faith, and a heart for service. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness that will continue in the lives she touched.

A Memorial Service followed by light refreshments will be held on Tuesday, January 13th, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., at the Chapel, Country Club Christian Church, 6101 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64113. Elizabeth will be laid to rest in Ethel, MO, beside her husband Gale.


Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations be made to: The Ethel Community Pantry - Ethel Community Church, c/o Kevin Souther, Ethel, Missouri 63539