Patricia Catherine (Mares) Jones was welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus on February 12, 2023. Pat was born in Minneapolis, MN to Albert and Edna Mares. Pat was the oldest of 5 children, and fondly recounted her memories growing up with James, Albert, Janet, and Judy. Her family relocated to Bremerton, Washington in 1941 when her father got a job at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. In her early adult years, she trained as an x-ray tech at Virginia Mason. Shortly thereafter she met her husband Don and they moved to West Seattle to begin a family.
Patricia touched the lives of countless individuals with her generosity, as she dedicated her life to the service of others. She was a 49-year member of Hope Lutheran Church and driving force behind Hope's Mary-Martha ladies (which always did her bidding), leading devotions for the Women of Hope, hosting innumerable luncheons, and Vacation Bible School. Later she was so happy to "bloom" at St. Timothy's Lutheran Church in Edmonds, where she led several social ministry programs.
Pat was an utterly devoted mother and grandmother who never missed a Cub Scout or Camp Fire Girl meeting, choir concert, basketball game, or any other event involving her kids. Pat's children frequently share stories of their homemade Halloween costumes, memories of summers spent at The Beach, and elaborate birthday parties. Her devotion to family even included all 13 of her nieces and nephews, of whom, she attended every high school graduation, even when there were 5 in the same year. Pat's creativity knew no bounds. As her reputation for every sort of craft, room-mothering, cake decorating, sewing, and the legendary rainbow Jell-O will attest. In her later years, she excelled at creative writing and taught herself to play the piano. Pat masterfully wove her wonderful sense of humor into all she did, such as in her "advisor" role for the Blonde Liberation Organization (BLO) at Seattle Lutheran High School. After her kids were grown, she proudly taught pre-school at Hope Lutheran School, and enjoyed her time as a nanny to the Zahniser kids.
Pat's life was transformed when she dedicated her life to Christ in 1976, during a Billy Graham Crusade. One of her most cherished activities was sharing the Gospel through Evangelism Explosion at Hope Church. Her devotion to Christ was witnessed during her favorite holiday of Christmas, as she hosted many get-togethers, she enjoyed sharing her precious Nativity collection.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, Donovan Jones. Pat will forever be adored by her children, Douglas (Janice), Richard (Staci), and Marylouise (Ann), and grandchildren, Lisa, Miranda, Stephanie, Max, Sami, and Saxton. Although she will be greatly missed, we are certain she is hosting the most spectacular luncheons for Jesus, while surrounded by so many friends and family.
A memorial service celebrating Pat's life will be held at 3:30pm on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at Hope Lutheran Church, 4456 42nd Ave SW, Seattle. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Hope Lutheran Church/School West Seattle, or St. Timothy's Lutheran Church in Edmonds.
