Barbara Jeanne Jones Obituary (2025)

Barbara Jeanne (Lunceford) Jones passed away peacefully on October 18, 2025, surrounded by her children and granddaughter. Born the youngest of eleven, Barbara was the cherished baby of the Lunceford family. She spent summers in Oregon with her brothers, Dick and Lester, where her nephews, Roger and Leslie, and niece, Debbie, kept her laughing and occasionally screaming--when the boys chased her with garter snakes. She never quite got over it and loved retelling the story for years. Her sister, Pat Gress, who preceded her in death just two months earlier, was like a second mother, and Pat's daughters, Pam Kingsboro and Sandy Doss, were loved like sisters. Barbara met the love of her life, Larry Jones, in 1959, and they married the following year--beginning a lifetime of adventures with their dear friends and family, Bob and Judy Jones. Through the years, the four shared countless memories, laughter, and love. Barbara's greatest pride and joy were her children, Kathy, aka "Bossy," and Ty, aka "The Baby." When her grandchildren came along, Barbara finally got to spoil and love without holding back--something she declared was her right, and that "the rest were their parents' problem." Nathan, Andrea, and Trent were her bragging points; no matter what, she always had their back. Her joy only grew with the arrival of her great-grandchildren. As she often said, "See, when you start having babies young, you get your rewards later." After Larry's passing in 2021, Barbara treasured her "Margarita Fridays" with Bob and Judy, and Mary and Larry Davis--nights filled with stories, laughter, and friendship. Barbara is preceded in death by her husband, Larry; her son, Robert "Robbie"; her parents, Alice and Owen; and her ten siblings and nephew, Ryker Zier. She is survived by her daughter, Kathy (Craig) Von Essen, and son, Ty (Tammie) Jones; grandchildren, Nathan (Kristen) Halsey, Andrea (Josh) Leingang, and Trent Jones; and great-grandchildren, Reilly, Brenleigh, Owen, Allena, and Beau. She is also survived by Bob and Judy Jones and their five daughters, along with her dear nieces, Pam Kingsboro and Sandy Doss; nephews, Roger and Leslie; and niece, Debbie. If every niece and nephew were named, we'd need several more pages; rest assured, she loved them all deeply and equally. At Barbara's request, there will be no services. Shaw & Sons Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at shawandsons.com