Kathy Jones (nee Cronholm), 68, of Oak Park, died peacefully on Nov. 15, 2019 after a long struggle with dementia. Originally from Lockport and born to Andrew and Mary Ellen Cronholm (nee Conroy), she married John Paul Jones Jr. on Nov. 1, 1975. She graduated from Southern Illinois University and received her MBA from DePaul University where she also worked for 36 years. While at DePaul, she had many accomplishments, including creating the university's first Purchasing Department, and she was an avid Blue Demons fan.  

Kathy Jones is survived by her daughters, Sara Jones and Becky (Kyle) Williams; her granddaughters, Hannah and Aria Williams; her siblings, Karen (the late Joe) Voudrie, Tom (Janice) Cronholm, Kim Wrona, Beth (Steven) Trubich; and her many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Mary Ellen Cronholm; her husband, John Paul Jones Jr.; her sister, Patti Jo Cronholm; and her nephew, Jeffrey Cronholm.  

A memorial celebration is planned for Jan. 18, 2020 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Prairie Bluff Golf Course in Lockport. Anyone who knew her is welcome to attend. 

In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates memorial donations to The Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation (alzinfo.org; 110 E. 42nd Street, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10017) or to Journey Care Hospice (journeycare.org). Special thanks to the staff at Belmont Village Oak Park for their compassionate attention and care since 2017.