Frances Pauline Kekar Jones

Frances Pauline Kekar Jones, born to Ottilie (Irwin) and Harry Kekar in Saint Joseph, Missouri on July 19, 1928 peacefully passed while in her family home into the loving arms of God on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. As a child, Frances moved from Saint Joseph to Joplin, Missouri, then onto Washington DC. In 1947 Frances moved with her parents to Albuquerque, New Mexico and took a job at Z Division (Later Sandia Corporation). Not long after Frances arrived in Albuquerque, she became a member of Central Methodist Church (now Central United Methodist Church) where she met the joy and love of her life, Merrill Jones. After a short period dating, Frances made the bold decision to abandon a planned trip to England in order to marry Merrill and in 1950 made a loving commitment that endured over 73 years. Frances often mentioned that she had wanted girls, but produced four wonderful boys. She was focused and devoted to family as well as deeply involved with her church family at Central, where she was a lifetime member. Frances had a love for writing and teaching. She taught a number of years in the children's ministry in addition to writing curriculum that was used in children's programs in the United Methodist Church. Frances spent a lifetime expressing her deep-rooted faith by inviting people into her house and into her life. There were many Thanksgivings where she invited strangers to partake in a shared meal around the family table. Her one consistent message through her life, whether it was about Jesus or about her family home, was "come in, the door is open." Her passion for life and her devotion to helping those less fortunate are just a few aspects of her that will be deeply missed by those she has left behind.

Frances is survived by her loving husband, Merrill; sons, Lawrence and wife, Judy, Douglas, Bradley and wife, Wendy, and Mark and wife, Eileen; grandchildren, Rachelle, Erika, Wesley, Lauren, Meghan, Katherine, Christopher, and Jenna; and great-grandchildren, Isaiah and Gabriel.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to all of the caregivers and nurses that showed great compassion, kindness, and patience to Frances as she approached her final journey.

A Visitation will be held Monday, March 11, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at FRENCH - University. A Graveside Service will be held the following day, March 12, 2024, 2:00 p.m., at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE. A Memorial Service will be held in Spring for those unable to attend the graveside.

A donation to Central United Methodist Church may be made in lieu of flowers.