Kathryn “Kay” Marie Jones, of Scotts, Michigan, passed away peacefully at her home on September 21, 2026.
She was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on April 22, 1932, the daughter of Ward B. Sanford and Christine (Britton) Sanford.
Kay was a homemaker, dedicated to caring for her family and raising four daughters. She later began a career with The Upjohn Company, where she served in the executive dining room. She retired from Upjohn in the late 1980s. Kay married Jack Jones, whom she loved dearly until the day he passed away. Together, they shared 63 years of marriage and built a life centered around their family. Jack was a hardworking man who built their beautiful home on Indian Lake. It was there that Kay raised their four daughters while Jack worked. Their home, with the lake in front and the railroad tracks behind, would become the setting for countless family memories.
Kay’s family remembers her ability to somehow balance raising four daughters while caring for her home, tending her gardens, sewing their clothes, baking and canning. She took great pride in her gardens, especially her vegetables, which she would can and share with family. Her canned potatoes became a particular tradition, often being passed out as Christmas gifts. She loved baking cookies, breads, and pies, and was always happy to have a cookie herself. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, painting, ceramics, jigsaw puzzles, collecting Precious Moments and Beanie Babies.
Kay also enjoyed watching NCIS on Tuesday nights and Blue Bloods – especially Tom Selleck. She loved spending time with family during holidays and Sunday dinners, which were traditions that brought everyone together.
Kay especially enjoyed pontoon rides on Indian Lake, watching the sunset with those she loved. Music was another important part of Kay’s life. While in high school, she played piano in a band at various high school dances. Later in life, she continued to share her musical talents and played the piano and organ during services at her church, and taught piano lessons to many children.
Jack and Kay were longtime members of the Scotts United Methodist Church. She was actively involved in church activities and the United Methodist Women’s group.
For decades, the Jones family hosted an annual Fourth of July pancake breakfast at their home. Friends, neighbors and family would gather for the feast, knowing that if Kay was cooking, there would be plenty of delicious homemade food—and more than enough of it. The lake was a special part of Kay’s life. She loved watching her daughters swim, water ski and enjoyed seeing the younger generations do the same. Sitting on the deck enjoying the scenic beauty of the lake was one of her favorite pastimes.
After Jack’s passing, Kay found herself caring for another special companion, her little Yorkie Lilly. She kept Kay on her toes and, much like Kay herself, was both feisty, loving, and young-at-heart. Lilly quickly became a much-loved part of Kay’s life, and her family and neighbors enjoyed seeing the two of them on their daily walks.
Kay’s highest priority was always her family. She poured love, time and energy into raising her daughters, who in turn gave her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and they are forever her pride and joy.
The Jones family remains close, a testament to the bonds Kay created throughout her lifetime. She taught her family the importance of being together, caring for one another and making memories along the way.
Kay is survived by her four wonderful daughters, Connie (Dave) Jones-Wagner, Chris (Bob) Schuiteboer, Cheryl (Mike) Guinn and Cindy (Mike) Veldkamp; her grandchildren, Katie (Steve) Scott, David (Shannon) Wagner, Kyle Guinn, Christopher Guinn, Jacki (Ken) Coburn, Jenni (Mike) Phillips, Jessica (Josh) Tyler and Julianna Veldkamp; great-grandchildren, Tripp, Luke, Maddie, Carter, Harland, Emmett, Hendrik and Frankie, whom Kay adored more than anything. She is also survived by her sister, Carol Coppens, and brother, Fred Sanford.
She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters and one brother; and her beloved husband of 63 years, Jack Jones, who passed away in 2013.
In accordance with Kay’s wishes, cremation has taken place.
The family will receive guests and visitors at the Scotts United Methodist Church, 8458 Wallene Steet, Scotts, Michigan 49088, on Thursday, October 1, 2026 from 5:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. The memorial service will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., Reverend Joyce Vanderlip will officiate the service.
Kay will be laid to rest in a private committal service, next to her husband Jack, at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan.
Ray Funeral Services, 305 Rock River Avenue, Three Rivers, Michigan, has been entrusted with her care.
Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Kay’s name are asked to consider Scotts United Methodist Church. Envelopes will be available at the service.
Please visit rayfuneralservices.com to gather and share in Kay’s memory.
