Mary Ellen Jones

Mary Ellen Jones, 94, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 18, 2025. Born on Dec 18, 1930, in Oklahoma City, OK. to Emmett and Florence Callahan, Mary Ellen’s family later moved to Wichita, Kansas where she graduated from Wichita Cathedral High School before earning her degree in English from Kansas State University, where she was a proud member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.

It was in Wichita where she met Jerome “Jerry” Jones. They married in 1952 and together raised four children. They were married for 50 years before Jerry’s death in 2006. They built many great friendships during that time and despite her K-State roots, spent countless weekends traveling to cheer on the Jayhawks in Lawrence for football and basketball games.

Mary Ellen was an avid tennis player and was an original member of a group of ladies that played poker every other Tuesday for over 40 years. She enjoyed bridge, her investment club, volunteering at the Kappa Holiday Homes Tour and many Junior League projects.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Emmett and Florence Callahan; and her husband, Jerome Jones. She is survived by her children, Kathleen Jones of Alexandria, VA, Jennifer Jones of Prairie Village, KS, Jerome Jones of Wichita, KS, and Amy Jones of Prairie Village, KS; grandchildren, Patrick Haverty (Rachel), Brian Haverty (Udelle), Jack Haverty (Katie), Callie McPhail, Hannah McPhail, Claire McPhail; and five great- grandchildren.

The family extends special thanks and gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at Village Shalom in Overland Park, and to Kansas City Hospice, especially Emily and Penny, who provided such comfort and support in the last few months of her life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to Phillips Fundamental Learning Center, 24533 E. Sharon Lane, Wichita, KS 67230, and Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care, 9001 State Line Rd, Suite 300, Kansas City, MO 64114.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Wichita, KS, preceded by a Rosary at 11:00 a.m.

Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.