Betty Jean Jones

Betty Jean Jones was born on Nov. 1, 1932, raised in Sidney, Ohio, and was the middle girl of three born to Esther and Walter Steinkemper. She attended Kent State University, where she met the handsome John Paul Jones. They married in 1952, and Betty became a military wife until John joined the U.S. Secret Service. John guarded U.S. Presidents and Betty guarded the four children at home. They enjoyed 51 years of marriage prior to John’s death in 2004.

Betty finished her undergraduate degree at UNM and received a Master’s Degree in Special Education. She taught at Osuna Elementary School and at Carrie Tingley Hospital until her retirement in 1993. Betty was very active in her Tanoan Neighborhood Association as Treasurer, VP and President. She was also active in Delta Zeta Sorority, as were her three daughters. Betty maintained computer data for Secret Service retirees for many years. She was also a long-time member of St. John’s United Methodist Church and was in the UMC Women’s group, Naomi Circle.

Betty loved Florida beach vacations with family, writing, genealogy, crossword puzzles and enjoying her dogs. She traveled to South America, Greece, Istanbul, Italy, Ireland, England, Kuwait and Iceland. She spent a decade with her partner Bill Bordone after her husband’s death. She was predeceased by her son, John Paul Jones Jr., a Dallas Police Officer.

Betty is survived by her three daughters: Lisa Ashcraft (Phillip), Wendy Jones-Graham (Kevin) and Betsy Argeanas (Alex). A proud Grandmother of Katie, Dana, Emily, John, Cooper and Sianna. Also, a proud Great Grandmother of Benjamin, Isabel and Orion.

Betty passed peacefully, surrounded by family on Sept. 21, in Albuquerque, NM at the age of 92. She was known for her kindness, sunny positive attitude, and her ability to see the silver lining in everything. She will be greatly missed.

The family would like to thank the wonderful Tanoan Community for their friendship and support over the years. Betty loved her neighborhood and friends! The family would also like to thank the caring nurses at Nevaeh Hospice and the caretakers at Life Spire.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00, Fri. Nov. 14, French’s Mortuary, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Carrie Tingley Hospital