Ruth Amelia Jones

Ruth Amelia (Herden) Jones, 97, entered into eternal life on Saturday, February 26, at Allied Meade Street Residence, formerly St. Therese Residence.

Born February 1, 1925 in Wilkes-Barre she was a daughter of the late Emma (Neimeyer) and Frank Herden.

Ruth graduated from Saint Nicholas High School, where she was the Class of 1943 Valedictorian and Snow Queen. Upon graduation, she worked in the finance department of the Hotel Sterling in downtown Wilkes-Barre until she married Ambrose Jones in 1947, and together they raised seven children.

Ruth was a lifelong member of the Parish of Saint Nicholas, an active member of the Altar & Rosary Society, St. Conrad's Women's Auxiliary, and the Reginas of King's College. Devoted to her faith, family, and exercise, she spent her middle years raising her children, always providing the utmost love and support. Later, her morning routine started with Daily Mass followed by aerobic exercise class at the Catholic Youth Center well into her 90s. Often, she could be seen walking throughout downtown Wilkes-Barre for her afternoon workout. Ruthie also enjoyed dancing and singing at family gatherings, celebrating weddings, birthdays, graduations, reunions.

Ruth (Mom/Nana) truly saw the good in everyone, and all who knew her were truly blessed.

Ruth's husband, Ambrose Jones, Jr., died in 1997, and their daughter, Claire Theresa, died in 1968. Her brothers and sisters, Francis, Paul, Ralph, and Clem Herden, Emma Herden, Natalie Carr, Regina White, and Dolores Farrell, also preceded her in death.

Her children, Dr. Ambrose III (Diane) of Greensboro, NC; Frank (Janet) of Wilkes-Barre; Ruth Ann Pugh of Wilkes-Barre; Bernard (Marilyn) of Quakertown; Patricia (Lew) Raibley of Millington, NJ; Clem (Tricia) of Florence, KY; 16 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; a sister Mathilda Farrell of Staten Island, NY; numerous nieces and nephews; other family and friends will miss her very much.

Ruth's entire family sincerely appreciates the loving care she received from Allied Meade Street Residence staff through the past five years.

Celebration of Ruth's Life begins Sunday, March 6, with visitation from 4 to 7 PM at McLaughlin's, 142 South Washington Street in Wilkes-Barre. It continues with gathering there at 9 AM on Monday, March 7, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 AM in the Church of Saint Nicholas.

Donations to the Parish of Saint Nicholas, 226 South Washington Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701, are preferred and will honor Ruth's memory.

Share memories and condolences with Ruth's family at www.mjmclaughlin.com