Ralph Jones

Ralph Jones was born on December 31, 1946, in Missoula, Montana, to Ralph and Constance (Connie) Jones. He was the much-awaited boy his parents had hoped for, and from the very beginning, he held a special place in the hearts of his family and was affectionately known as “Sonny” to them. Ralph grew up in Spokane, Washington, and graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 1965. He remained connected to his classmates throughout the years and proudly served on the reunion committee for the Class of 1965. He briefly served in the Marine Corps Reserve as a 0811 Field Artillery Cannoneer. He was honorably discharged and received the National Defense Service Medal and the Rifle Sharpshooter Badge. He later attended Eastern Washington University, while raising his young family.

Ralph built a long and respected career as an accountant and financial controller, putting his natural gift for numbers, his practical judgment, and his ability to lead others to work for a number of Spokane businesses. He finished his career at Stoneway Electric. 

Ralph enjoyed many things in life. He was an avid hunter, a firearm collector, loved boating, camping, traveling, and taking road trips. He had a particular talent for finding treasures at estate sales. He could spend hours looking through other people’s forgotten things, always certain there was something worthwhile waiting to be discovered. And when he found something special, he loved sharing it with his wife and family. Those discoveries were made even more special because he found so much joy in giving them to the people he loved. But of all the things Ralph collected and all the places he traveled, his greatest treasures were the people he loved.

Ralph was devoted to his wife, Susan, with whom he shared 56 years of marriage. Their life together was filled with adventures and the everyday moments that become precious memories over a lifetime. They built a life together that was rich in experiences, laughter, family, and love. His love for Susie was steady, enduring, and unmistakable. 

His love for his children and grandchildren was just as fierce. Ralph was the kind of father who would help whenever he could— often giving more of himself than he had to give. He put the needs of his family ahead of his own and made sacrifices throughout his life because helping the people he loved was simply who he was. He was generous with his resources, his knowledge, and his heart. Ralph wanted to help. It was one of the ways he showed love. Whether someone needed advice, a helping hand, something fixed, or simply someone to be there, he wanted to do what he could. He could not easily stand by and watch someone he loved struggle when he believed he could help. He loved his family endlessly, and there was never any doubt that he would do everything he could to help. 

Ralph leaves behind his beloved wife, Susan Jones; his three children and their spouses, Celeste and Corey Lindsay, Carrie and Chris Hormel, and Cory and Tina Jones; and twelve grandchildren: Adam Lindsay, Susannah Largent (William), John Lindsay, Isaac Hormel, Jonah Hormel (Angelina), Christopher Hormel, Isabella Hormel, Charles Jones (Savanah), Timothy Jones, Eric Jones (Rochelle), Emily Jones, and Sarah Jones. He is also survived by eight great grandchildren-Alex, Oliver, Lucy, Rowan and Florian Jones, Friedrich and Arthur Hormel and Odin Jones. 

He is survived by his brother, Clive Jones (Happy), and his sisters, Jerinne Audel (Don), Carole Schley, and Jennifer Sookochoff. 

Ralph joins his beloved grandchild, Owen Lindsay, and his siblings Thane Jones, Pandora Jones, Jackie Jones, Candy Nelson, and Joni Swartout. We find comfort in knowing that he has now been reunited with those he loved. 

In the end, Ralph continued to put the people he loved before himself. His love for his family carried him through his final days, and he ultimately chose to go home to the Lord. We take comfort knowing that his work here was done. 

Ralph’s greatest legacy will not be found in the jobs he held, the things he collected, or the places he traveled. It will be found in the family he loved so deeply, the lessons he taught, the sacrifices he made, and the countless ways he showed us—often quietly—that he would always be there for us. He gave us his wisdom, even when we weren’t ready to hear it. He gave us his help, even when it meant putting his own needs aside. He gave us memories that we will carry for the rest of our lives. And through it all, he loved us fiercely. 

He was our husband, our dad, our grandfather, our brother, and our friend. He was deeply loved and will be deeply missed. 

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00pm, Monday, October 12, 2026, at the Manito United Methodist Church 3220 S. Grand Blvd., Spokane, WA 99203