Jona I. Vargas

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Jona I. Vargas, 49, of Fredericksburg, Stafford County, Virginia, who entered eternal rest on Thursday, August 21, 2025. Jona was a devoted servant of the Lord, a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend whose presence touched countless lives.

Born on June 7, 1976, in Caloocan City, Philippines, Jona was the beloved daughter of Pablito and Cresencia Ibanez. She graduated from Sapang Palay High School in 1993, earned a B.A. in Psychology from Philippine Normal University in 1998, and later received her M.A. in Special Education from Manuel L. Quezon University in 2008. That same year, she also passed the California Basic Education Skills Test. Throughout her professional career, Jona served as a counselor, teacher, team builder, and college professor at System Technical Institute College in the Philippines, where she inspired and guided many students and colleagues.

In 2007, Jona married Ronald Vargas, and in 2009, she migrated to Stockton, California. As a dedicated military spouse, she provided steadfast support to her husband while lovingly caring for their growing family. In 2010, the family moved to Iwakuni, Japan, where Jona gave birth to their two sons, Ronald Jr. and Ryan Jacob. After returning to California, they welcomed their daughter, Rhian Jodie. Being a mother was Jona's greatest joy, and she poured her heart into raising her children -leading them with faith, encouragement, and unconditional love.

Family and friends were the cornerstone of her life. Jona remained close with her high school, college, and professional friends, who will never forget her sparkling eyes, vibrant laughter, kind heart, and unshakable optimism. She found joy in music, especially Christian and OPM songs, enjoyed watching Korean telenovelas, and was deeply committed to her Bible study group and to helping others. Her life motto, faithfully repeated even in her most difficult moments, was: "God is good."

In late 2022, Jona was diagnosed with cancer. With her husband faithfully by her side, she faced her illness with strength, courage, and unshakable trust in the Lord. On August 21, 2025, her battle came to an end, and she went home to be with her Heavenly Father.

Jona is survived by her husband of 17 years, Ronald Vargas; children, Ronald Vargas Jr., Ryan Jacob Vargas, and Rhian Jodie Vargas; father, Pablito Ibanez; and siblings, Dennis Ibanez and Gladys Rollon. She was preceded in death by her mother, Cresencia Ibanez.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service at the funeral home chapel. Interment will take place on a date to be announced in Quantico National Cemetery.

Jona will be remembered always for her faith, love, and kindness. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.