Ruth Catoline “Tippie” Jones
Ruth Caroline “Tippie” Jones died after a brief illness on June 29, 2015.
Graveside services will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, July 2, 2015, in Floydada Cemetery in Floydada. A celebration of her life will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Polk Street United Methodist Church in Amarillo with Dr. Burt Palmer and the Rev. Kevin Deckard officiating. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.
Tippie was born in Hedley to Leon and Alice Reeves on Jan. 2, 1935. She grew up with three brothers in Hedley, and attended West Texas State College where she met Bill Jones from Floydada. They fell in love and married in December 1954 before moving to Plainview, where their three children were born.
Tippie and Bill spent 30 years teaching in the Pampa Independent School District before retiring and moving to Amarillo twelve years ago. Tippie’s most important job, however, was being a wife and mom, a calling she loved more than anything else in life. She was the glue that held her family together after losing her parents at a young age. She stood firm on her faith in Jesus Christ throughout her life, and served the church in many capacities in all the towns she and Bill called home.
Everyone who encountered Tippie walked away with a smile. She had a zest for life, finding humor at every turn. And she laughed often at herself, which made her so approachable and lovable. She is remembered for saying “a sense of humor will get you through anything.” Everyone had a nickname for her, but the names she took the most pleasure in hearing were “Mee-maw” and “Memes,” spoken by her beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Her survivors include her husband of 60 years, Bill Jones; a son, Rich Jones and wife Cathey of Lubbock; her daughter, Olivia Sims and husband Barry of Canadian; and her daughter, Julie Smith and husband Jim of Vernon. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Barry Don Sims and wife Dani of Challis, Idaho; Jennifer Blandford and husband Currey of Warrenville, Ill.; Taylor Sims and wife Bonnie of Longmont, Colo.; Jeffrey Jones and wife Megan of Grapevine; Haley Herber and husband Alex of Canton, Ohio; Jes Smith of Lubbock and Alice Tate Smith of San Marcos. She also is survived by six great-granchildren, Blythe Blandford, Harrison Herber, Bennett Blandford, Hudson Herber, Dylyn Sims and Scarlett Herber. Additionally, she is survived by her brothers, Don Reeves and wife Katherine of Wellington; Bill Reeves and wife Lynda of Arlington and brother-in-law Travis Jones of Floydada. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews.
The family suggests memorials be made to Opportunity School, Attn: Emily Wood, 1100 S. Harrison, Amarillo, Texas 79101; or to Snak Pack 4 Kids, 701 Park Place Ave
Amarillo, TX 79101.
Sign the online guestbook at www.boxwellbrothers.com.
