Nancy L. Jones of Owensboro, KY, formerly of Tucson, AZ, passed away on February 6, 2026, at Hermitage Care and Rehabilitation.
Nancy was born in Riverside, California, on September 20, 1936. She was adopted at the age of three by Mary Jane and William Palmer Ludden of Springfield, Massachusetts. In Springfield, MA, she attended primary school and later graduated from Senior Technical High School. Nancy had a natural “artistic flair” and enjoyed drawing and painting, as well as theater, music, and sewing.
At the age of 21, Nancy married TSgt. Robert E. King, and together they had three children: Michael, Ruth, and Peter. Later, she welcomed another daughter, Sandra Jones, with her second husband, SMSgt. Gene I. Jones.
Nancy enjoyed being a “military wife” and all the adventures it brought. She taught ballet for more than 20 years at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, AZ. Many families cherished her classes and recitals.
Nancy had a gift for making friends from all walks of life wherever she lived and was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. She also enjoyed serving her community and volunteered for many years at local voting and polling locations in Tucson.
In her later years, Nancy enjoyed bingo, word puzzles, and socializing with friends and family. She was an ardent animal lover and especially adored her beloved “kitties,” Mary Jane and Blue.
Nancy was preceded in death by her second husband, SMSgt. (USAF) Gene I. Jones, in 2010.
She leaves behind her four children: Ruth (Bob Cecil) King of Owensboro, KY; Peter King of Tucson, AZ; Sandra Jones of Phoenix, AZ; and Michael (Julie) King of Orefield, PA. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Kristopher (Jessica) Dillon of Owensboro, KY; Brandon King of Hoboken, NJ; Matthew (Ruthie) King and Brittany (Sean) Clause of Pennsylvania; and Misael Jr. and Gene Torres of Tucson, AZ. She is further survived by four great-granddaughters: Kerstyn and Kaylee Dillon of Owensboro, KY, and Emma Grace and Lily Ann King of Pennsylvania.
Special thanks are extended to all of her caregivers and nurses at Hermitage Care and Rehabilitation, as well as the many friends she leaves behind.
Nancy will be laid to rest beside her husband, SMSgt. Gene I. Jones, at the Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Sierra Vista, AZ. Services will be private.
Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory is honored and privileged to be entrusted with the care of Nancy L. Jones. Please leave condolence messages for the family of Ms. Jones and sign the virtual guestbook at www.haleymcginnis.com.