Marilynn Jones

Marilynn Jones passed away December 7, 2016 in Hill City, Kansas. She was born January 21, 1935, at St. Anthony Hospital in Hays, Kansas, to Fred and Eva (Welty) Miles. She lived all but two years of her life in Hill City where she attended school and graduated from Hill City Memorial High School in 1953. Marilynn attended one year of college at Fort Hays State College. August 3, 1954, she married Bob Stockdale at the Hill City United Methodist Church. To this union two children were born: Cynthia (Cyndi) and Robert (Tiger). Cyndi delighted her with three grandchildren: Megan, Becky and Heath; and Tiger with three grandchildren: Elizabeth, John and Kaitlyn. She was delighted with her six great grandchildren: Seann, Alexandria, Madison, Austin, Corbyn and Trevor. Marilynn was a part owner of the Midway Theater and Riverside Drive-In. In 1973 she began working in the business office of the Graham County Hospital and worked until her retirement in 1996. Marilynn was a founding member of the Rainbow Lodge in Hill City, and when her children were young, she was a 4-H Leader for the Milbrook Sunshiners. She was an active member of the Hill City United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School, was Sunday School Superintendent, sang in the choir, was a member of the United Methodist Women and Mary Martha Circle. She also served on various church committees. October 5, 1993, her husband, Bob, passed away from cancer. After having a near perfect marriage and so much love for each other, Marilynn was lost. In 1994 Dale Jones, who had lost his wife to cancer, came into her life. The song “Keeper of the Stars” was their favorite song. It states that long before they ever knew, God had a plan for them. They felt the plan was for them to get married and enjoy each other until death. They were married December 2, 1995, at the Hill City United Methodist Church. Again she had another near perfect marriage. Dale had four children: Larry, Susan, Dennis, and Sharon. And she gained 13 more grandchildren: Aaron and Kara Jones; Danielle, Whitney and John Englert; Taylor and Riley Jones; Jay Peterson; and Amanda, Corey, Alex and Lauren Wells. After Dale’s death she gained even more great grandchildren. Marilynn and Dale’s marriage was during their retirement years, so they enjoyed spending time traveling in their motorhome. They spent many winters in Tucson, Arizona, one in Harlingen, Texas, and one in Florida. Among their favorite trips was spending a month in Branson, Missouri each fall. They loved Branson and especially the shows there. They made many friends from different states in their travels, some of whom Marilynn continued to keep in contact with. Marilynn had a great love for playing bridge. Her yard always looked nice, but she really didn’t like the yard work. She always said she was more the “duster” and cleaner in the house and her mother liked to do the outdoors. So her husbands took care of the yard, except for maybe keeping some flowers going. When Marilynn was well she loved to cook. Her family always had a “Sunda dinner” each night. Dale, who had no medical problems that they were aware of, became suddenly sick in March of 2009 and went to be with the Lord April 21, 2009. Marilynn had two wonderful husbands and losing both of them was very hard on her. Marilynn had a great love for five different Schnauzers and one Maltese. After health complications following her 2011 hip surgery, Marilynn had to give up the little Maltese. But the couple that took him allowed her to see him anytime she wanted, and they brought him to see her when they went through Hill City. One of her greatest wishes was to get another small dog and God granted this wish by bringing Maria into her life. She gave Marilynn unwavering love and devotion. Preceding Marilynn in death were her mother and father; her grandson Bryan Stockdale; husband Bob Stockdale; and husband Dale Jones. She leaves a daughter, Cyndi Knight and husband Dennis; a son, Tiger Stockdale, all of Baldwin, Kansas; six grandchildren, six great grandchildren; four stepchildren: Larry Jones and wife Debbie; Susan Englert and husband John; Dennis Jones and wife Sandy; and Sharon Wells and husband Tom; 13 step grandchildren and 12 step great-grandchildren. Marilynn also had a wonderful and close friend, Wayne Clark, who did all he could for her after losing Dale. You would often see them eating out and at sporting events. She felt so blessed to have someone like him at this stage of her life. Marilynn will be missed by everyone who knew her, but we know that she will continue to watch over her family, friends, and her beloved town. Rest in peace, Marilynn.