Kathleen Kay "Kathy" Jones

Kathleen Kay "Kathy" Jones, 74, of Tempe, AZ passed away on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa, AZ following a short illness. Kathy was born on November 8, 1949, the daughter of John D. Jones and Bonnie E. (Houghkirk) Jones in Williamsburg, IA. She graduated from Williamsburg Community High School in 1967. Kathy continued her education at Kansas University, receiving a BA in Social Work followed by a MA in Social Work from Arizona State University. Upon graduating from KU, Kathy moved to Arizona in search of warmer weather. She worked for the State of Arizona Department of Economic Security for 43 years, retiring in 2016. Kathy was devoted to her job and loved the fact it impacted the lives of foster children across the state. Kathy was happiest when she was with those she loved the most, her mother, Bonnie, sharing laughs and conversation on a "Sisters Day", spending time with nieces and nephews who loved her dearly and cherished friends she had gathered over her lifetime. Road trips were a special joy to her especially when sharing her beloved state of Arizona with others. When her grandma Jones passed, Kathy took over as the family genealogist which became her passion. Kathy is survived by her mother, Bonnie E. Jones Huedepohl of Williamsburg, IA, her sisters, Patricia (John) Tiernan of Williamsburg, IA, Linda Jones Minor of Cedar Rapids, IA, brother-in-law, Rex Rowe of North English, IA, nieces and nephews, Benjamin (Brandy) Tiernan (Ezra and Sadie) of Sylva, NC, Abby (Adam) Sanchez (Taylor, Tenley, Tyson, Teagan) of Williamsburg, IA, Trace (Michelle) Minor (Dawson, Carson) of Cedar Rapids, IA and Madison Minor of Cedar Rapids, IA. Kathy was preceded in death by her father, John D. Jones and sister, Rebecca S. Rowe. A Memorial service will be held Thursday, November 7 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Williamsburg, IA. Messages and tributes may be directed to www.powellfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation, 360 E. Coronado Rd., Ste. 190, Phoenix, AZ 85004.