Ellen Gibson Jones' Obituary
Ellen Gibson Jones, 86, of Woodruff, SC and longtime resident of Culpeper, VA, passed away on April 8, 2026, at Woodruff Manor after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s. Born in Culpeper on June 29, 1939, Ellen spent nearly her entire life in the town she loved, rooted in its community and people, before joining her daughter in Woodruff in 2022. She was a woman of simple joys and quiet strength — most at home with dirt on her hands, something on the stove, or a well-timed word that could make the whole room erupt.
Ellen was a hard worker in every sense. She spent years at Aileen Knitwear and later as a cashier at the Culpeper Food Lion, bringing her warm — and wonderfully unfiltered — personality to everyone she met. When she wasn't on the clock, she was in the kitchen canning and cooking, or tending her garden, which was nothing short of a showplace each spring and summer. Her flowers were her passion, and she shared her plants generously with neighbors and friends, leaving a little bit of bloom wherever she went. She was also a devoted caregiver who quietly showed up for people in need — helping neighbors, serving bingo nights for the local fire department and VFW — never one to join the club, but always one to roll up her sleeves.
Ellen was preceded in death by her husband, Richard R. "Bunnie" Jones, Sr., her parents James H. Jacobs, Sr. and Thema Gladys Jacobs, and all of her beloved siblings: James H. "Skip" Jacobs, Jr., Frederick G. "Bud" Jacobs, John W. "Wes" Jacobs, and Patricia Jacobs. She is survived by her daughter, Barbara J. Hill (Gary) of Woodruff, SC, and her son, Richard R. "Rusty" Jones, Jr. of Castleton, VA; seven grandchildren; J. Leigh Bennett (Richard) of Madison, MS, Nicholas Hill of Woodruff, SC, R. Hunter Hill (Abbey) of Forney, TX, Casey N. Pruiksma (Daniel) of Woodruff, SC, Richard H. Jones of Castleton, VA, Kristine B. Jones of Bealeton, VA, and Jack R. Jones of Culpeper, VA; and five great-grandchildren; Caroline Grace Bennett, Anastasia Rose Pruiksma, Scarlette Claire Pruiksma, Karson Lee Jones, James Michael Hill, and Jacob Ryan Hill.
Ellen Jones was genuine, generous, and absolutely one of a kind. Those who knew her carry her laugh, her frankness, and the flowers she gave them — and that is a legacy worth celebrating.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the Culpeper VFW, with a potluck and time to share memories and laughs of a life well-lived. All are welcome.
Founds and Sons Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
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