Linda Kay Jones

Linda Kay Jones (nee Gill) was born on October 15, 1945, in Springfield, Missouri. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on May 13th in Modesto, California. She was 78 years old. Throughout her life, she held a variety of jobs that allowed her to interact and brighten the days of the people around her, but her greatest passion was in raising and supporting her family (which included getting to love and spoil her beloved “grandbabies” and “great-grandbabies”, even as they grew up to be bigger than her!). Kay was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother that was known and loved by so many people in her community. She had a boundless capacity for loving others. Beyond her immediate family, she would often instantly adopt others into her heart without question. To so many people, she was just “Grandma Kay”. To know her was to adore her and to be adored by her. Despite her small stature, the hole she will leave behind in the hearts and lives of those who knew her is enormous. She had a natural gift for knowing how to comfort others. She had a mental encyclopedia of everyone’s favorite recipes, which she took immense joy in preparing each year for birthdays and holidays (or just because). Her grandchildren share cherished memories of the many happy afternoons spent in her kitchen learning how to make all of her magical dishes and treats, coming to recognize that the most important ingredient in all Grandma Kay’s dishes was her love for the people she was cooking for. Kay was small but mighty. She was surrounded by a family of giants, but her energy and light always made her seem like the biggest person in the room. Her bright laughter could soar over a crowd and instantly bring a smile to the faces of those who knew her. She adored showing up for the people she loved, whether in celebration or support. And if ever you needed a protector, Kay could be counted upon to always be by your side, never hesitating to stand up for the people she loved. Kay is now reunited with her beloved husband of 58 years, Michael James Jones. She also joins her mother, Hazel Ruth, father, Lester Harold, and brothers Les and Ray Gill. She is survived by her son, Nicholas Jones (Sandra), her daughter, Carolyn Cross (Richard), grandchildren Angela Liu (Jonathan), Ryan Garcia (Christina), Bethany Blechinger (Brian), and Nicholas Jones (Lorena), and great-grandchildren Holden, Liam, Olivia, and Lily. She is also survived by her sister, Patty Morris (Gordy), many nieces and nephews, and countless adopted family members that she collected along the path of her life and who will miss her dearly.

Tributes

Linda Kay Jones

October 15, 1945 - May 13, 2024