Karen Jo Jones

Karen Jo Jones, 66, of Oologah, a dedicated mother, grandmother and community advocate, died Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008 at Bailey Hospital in Owasso.

Jones was born Aug. 29, 1941 in Nowata to Harvey and Esther Judkins.

She and Bobby Vernon Jones married and began their family while living in Tulsa. They later settled in Oologah with their three daughters, Traci, Terri, and Tammi.

Jones quickly became involved with the school system, girl scouting and the community.

As her daughters became involved in sports, their mother became a sports enthusiast, favoring basketball above softball and soccer. Even though her daughters were not on the baseball or football field playing, she was there to support the Mustang teams.

She continued her support as her grandchildren took to the fields and courts. “Chicker” as she was lovingly called by her grandchildren and friends, chose to stay in the background and away from the limelight. However, she was always there to assist in fundraising events for the Chamber, school foundation, academic, athletic, or arts groups.

Jones’ banking career spanned over 30 years, mainly at Lakeside State Bank and currently at American Bank in Collinsville.

Her hobbies included playing with her grandchildren, sewing and working in her flower gardens.

She was named the Oologah Area Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 2004.

Jones is survived by her three daughters and six grandchildren; Traci Ruark and husband John and their children Emily and Lilly of Talala; Terri Woods and her children Baylor and Banner of Oologah; and Tammi Henning and her husband Mike and children Chelsea and Ashley of Verdigris; and a host of cherished friends.

Her parents, and one grandson, Blake Ruark, preceded her in death.

Visitation at the Oologah Dolton Funeral Home will be Saturday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., with family available from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Pastor Brett Rogers will conduct services at 3 p.m. Monday at the First Baptist Church in Oologah. Burial will be at the Nowata Memorial Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Oologah Tip In Club.