Ronald L. Jones

Ronald L Jones, of Chatham, IL and formerly Carrollton, IL, age 88, left the cares of this world, on Thursday, Sept 4, 2025, at Brightly Senior Living, to reunite with the saints who have gone before him-his beloved parents, Roy and Verna Jones, his cherished wife of 31 years, Carol Ann Jones, and his siblings, Pauline, Doris, Merle, Dick, Earle, and Ivan.

Ronnie was born on November 15, 1936, and grew up on the family farm in Heyworth, IL, where he spent many a day participating in an equal measure of hard work and hijinks. After surviving being nearly spoiled to death during his childhood, Ron graduated from high school and enlisted in the Navy, serving until 1957. A recent highlight, in 2022, for Ron was the thrill of participating in an honor flight to Washington, DC.

Ron was known for his razor sharp wit, colorful language, and irreverent sense of humor; but most importantly endeared himself to anyone who knew him, with the possible exception of a few disgruntled claims customers with Country Mutual Insurance, where he began his career in 1961 and served for 38 years as claims adjuster when he lived in Carrollton, IL and later after moving to Springfield, IL to serve as claims supervisor.

Ron was an avid hunter and outdoorsman, a collector of pocket knives and pens, and a people enthusiast. He insisted on knowing anyone he encountered by name and took pleasure in learning the details of people's lives. He relentlessly bragged about his girls to anyone who would listen and made sure we knew we were loved beyond measure.

Those who will dearly miss his presence are the blended family of his daughters, Rhonda (Alan) Grammer, of Edwardsville, IL, and Jackie (Don) Casey, of Freeburg, IL, grandchildren, Jordan (Shelby) Grammer, Haydon Grammer, and Sydney Grammer. Daughter Lynn Hunsaker (Mark Wiemold), of St Johnsbury, VT, and son Greg (Elaine) Hunsaker, of Hudson, IL and grandchildren Katherine and Tommy Wiemold, and Matt (Michelle) Hunsaker, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Ron moved from Chatham to Glen Carbon two years ago to be closer to family. Ron Jon, as he was affectionately nicknamed, easily adjusted to life at Brightly Senior Living, enjoying new friends, eating perfectly cooked bacon, dessert with every meal, being voted the biggest bullshitter, and most likely to win bingo. Special thanks to the staff for their extraordinary love and care, making his last years feel like home there.

Ron made the most of his 88 years on this earth; though we no longer enjoy his physical presence, his legacy of kindness, love, laughter, and sweet memories will endure.

A celebration of life is planned for Friday, September 12 at The Studio, 60 School Street, Glen Carbon, IL from 4-8 pm. Please stop by to share a humorous story/memory and have a beer in Ron's memory. Private burial will be at Park Hill Cemetery in Bloomington, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that memorials be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois, 305 S Illinois St, Belleville, IL 62220