Ruthelle Schroeder Jones

Ruthelle Lorraine Schroeder Jones, 94, died July 16, 2013, after a brief illness in Macon, GA. Hart's Mortuary in Macon is providing funerary services. She was born March 17, 1919, to John Karl Frederick Schroeder and Alma Morscheck Schroeder in New Holland, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Dr. Ralph Wood Jones. She is survived by her daughters, Dr. Kyra Lee Jones Osmus of Macon, GA, and Dr. Amelia Kay Jones Ward (Dr. Milton Ward) of Tuscaloosa, AL; two grandsons, Karl Edward Osmus (Meredith Holland Osmus) of Valdosta, GA, and Jeffrey Arthur Osmus (Marquez Reid) of Macon, GA; sister Donna Jeanne Schroeder Deiss of Bloomington, IL, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Ruthelle was an accomplished and talented pianist. She received a B.A. degree in music from Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, IL, where she was also president of Delta Omicron music sorority. She later received a master's degree in music education from The University of Alabama. She met her future husband, a flutist, in college. They married on June 20, 1942, and played and composed music together throughout their 52-year marriage. She taught music and art in schools in Leroy, IL, Georgetown, TX, Tuscaloosa, AL, and Mobile, AL. In the later years of her life, she began taking ballroom dancing lessons. With the guidance of her instructor in Tuscaloosa, Phillip Farley, she became a "ballroom dancer extraordinaire". She traveled to competitions across the country with him and other students, made many wonderful friends, and earned the nickname, "Jazzy". She impressed all with her vivaciousness, joy of life, and ability to connect with others. She grew up in the Lutheran Church, attended Methodist churches in early adult life, was an active member of Christ Episcopal Church in Tuscaloosa, AL, and prior to that in All Saints Episcopal Church in Mobile, AL In her last years, she attended St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Macon, GA. She was devoted to her family and taught her daughters and grandsons to live life to the fullest, show compassion to others, think independently, stand up for themselves and what they believe in, and work hard, but always have fun. We already deeply miss her. The family greatly appreciates the warm condolences received from her many friends and also the attentive care provided to her in her last days by the staff of Zebulon Park Health and Rehabilitation in Macon, GA. A memorial service is planned on Saturday, August 3, at 3:00 pm at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Macon, GA. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the organ fund of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 501 Bass Rd., Macon GA, 31210. Friends may sign the online register at www.hartsmort.com. Hart's Mortuary and Crematory, Cherry Street, Macon, Ga. has charge of arrangements.