Helen Ruth Jones

Helen Ruth Jones passed away on April 5, 2021 in McKinney, TX. She lived life to the fullest for 94 years and was just a month shy of celebrating her 95th birthday on May 18th. Helen was born and raised in Independence, Kansas and was one of 9 children. She met her future husband at 17 when she graduated high school and wrote him and stayed true to him while he went to fight in World War II. As soon as JK returned home from the war, they got married. JK Jones adored Helen and over their 50+ years of marriage they had 3 children – John, Janie and Dina. They loved to travel together and had many adventures both abroad and at home. Regardless of where the Army took JK, Helen was by his side providing loving support and a little bossing around when he needed it. Helen graduated high school on her 17th birthday and went on to receive her teaching certificate. Those that knew Helen well, know that she loved to share her opinions so teaching felt like a natural fit. Helen was a natural born leader and never faced a challenge she couldn’t overcome. She took care of 2 young children for 2 years while JK was fighting in the Korean War. Their family spent years in El Paso, Dennison and even Germany. Duncanville, TX was home though. Helen was a pioneer in the insurance industry and one of the first and most successful businesswomen in Duncanville. Helen began working in Dallas as a secretary in the male dominated insurance industry. Her drive and perseverance drove her to become the 1st woman insurance agent with Farmers Insurance in the entire country. In less than a year, she worked and became the largest (and best) agent in Dallas for Farmers Insurance. During her time there, she learned a lot about insurance but more importantly she learned where the industry was deficient and needed a change. She lobbied in Austin, TX and helped pass legislation that changed how insurance policies could be funded. Helen, with JK by her side, went on to open Red Bird Associates and Wings Premium Finance. Wings Premium Finance was the first premium financing organization in Texas and has changed the insurance landscape. The American Businesswoman Association (ABWA) was an up and coming association early on in Helen’s career. She was the 2nd president of this association and grew it from 15 members to 150 members in less than a year. One of her proudest accomplishments was when she was named the Woman of the Year by the American Businesswomen Association. While Helen had a tremendous career and broke down barriers for women in the business world, her primary focus was always her family. She served as a Den Mother, President of her Sunday School and never missed a sporting event, dance recital or school play. JK and Helen had 5 grandchildren (Morgan, Amanda, Katie, John and Ryan) and Helen was with us long enough to enjoy 6 great grandchildren (Jordan, Petra, Riley, Jameson, Brooks and Gabriel). Helen liked to provide loving encouragement (ie: sometimes unsolicited advice) to her children in all their activities, careers and relationships. Helen was fiercely defensive of those she loved and never hesitated to speak what was on her mind. She instilled self-confidence, hard work and humility in her family. You would never see Helen in a track suit, jeans or ‘old lady clothes’ - She was the original fashionista! Helen could often be found at Pursley’s in Duncanville finding the latest fashions and jewelry. She shared that love with her daughters and granddaughters who now proudly have way too many clothes, shoes and jewelry. Helen also was a wonderful seamstress and made several clothes and blankets for her family. In fact, some of her granddaughter’s favorite outfits growing up were the pieces that were handmade with love by her. In addition to sharing her love of fashion, she loved having her kids and grandkids in the kitchen and around the table for holidays or just a Sunday dinner. Helen was one helluva cook! She loved to teach her grandkids the family recipes and have them help in the kitchen every time they came over. We could write a whole novel on all the accomplishments, hobbies and memories that were made with our mom and grandmother but even that wouldn’t do her justice. Helen Ruth was our mom, our Mama, our friend and our Rock. We are sad that her earthly life is over but know that she is now in Heaven alongside JK, her sisters, brothers, parents and friends that departed before her. The Family will have a private graveside service in Duncanville on Tuesday, April 13, 2021. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helen’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association so that we can continue to do research and find a cure for this horrible disease.

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Helen Ruth Jones

May 18, 1926 - April 5, 2021