Dorothy Jones

Dorothy Jones, 94, passed away on December 11, 2025 at Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield, MN.

Dorothy, youngest of six siblings, was born in Rochester, MN, on August 15, 1931, to John and Thora "Brantman" Hansen, who moved their family to Eyota 12 days later. John was the town blacksmith and Thora worked at the restaurant cooking for the railroad men and cleaning houses in the afternoons. Dorothy attended Eyota Schools, graduating in 1949. William Frank Jones and Dorothy Ann Hansen were married on August 19, 1949 in the United Brethren Church in Eyota. 

Dorothy was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church in Eyota, active in Sunday School, choir, a founding member of the handbell choir, and played the organ. Dorothy was a charter member of the Rural Robins Homemakers Club, meeting with other farm wives for more than 50 years. Dorothy worked together with her husband on the family farm; raised 2 children, William John (Billy) and Carolyn Diane; made clothing for herself and family members; provided a home or jobs for various family and friends over the years, including her cousin Bud; cooked for farm hands and any family who came for the noon meal; hosted an exchange student, creating a lifelong friendship with Maria Aase; traced our family genealogy back to find living relatives in Denmark; and traveled with William out west, and to England, Norway, and Denmark.

After William passed on May 20, 1996, Dorothy continued to enjoy traveling, joining bus tour groups to travel the US, as well as Australia & New Zealand, and revisiting Maria in Norway and family in Denmark. She wrote the history of J & J Century Farms, going all the way back to 1858, detailing the progress from then to now, including William's soil conservation efforts and maintenance of century homestead, outbuildings, and barn. For many years, Dorothy organized the Dover-Eyota Golden Grads Reunions for any alumni who had graduated in the 50+ years past. Dorothy continued to support the day to day operations of the farm while Billy carried on with farming, continuing to host the larger noon meal for multiple family members until the 2010s. If you were near the farm at noon, you came for the food and camaraderie. In the afternoons, you could often find Dorothy at Sewing by Carolyn, taking apart garments so Carolyn could repair or alter them for clients. When she wasn't at the sewing shop, she also volunteered for the Elder Network and visited with friends who found it difficult to get out. At Holidays, her table was always full and always expanded for anyone who came to celebrate. 

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, William Frank; her siblings: Myrtle Price, John Brantman, Violet Fortunate, Florence Brantman, Henry Brantman; and her cousin, Lawrence "Larry" "Bud" Christensen. 

Dorothy is survived by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Children: William J. (Janet) Jones; Carolyn (Rod) Jurrens. Grandchildren: Linnea "Jones" Weiser, Lori "Jones" (Kurt) Miller; Kristen "Jurrens" (Laban) Kemp. Great-Grandchildren: Andrew Jones; Kolten Miller; Adam (Taylor), Rebekah, & Naomi Kemp.

Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM on Monday, December 15, 2025 at Faith United Methodist Church, 27 W 4TH St, Eyota, MN 55934. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery in Eyota. Visitation will be held from 2-5 PM on Sunday, December 14, 2025 at Schad and Zabel Funeral Home, 115 South Ave, Eyota, MN 55934, and also one hour prior to the service at church on Monday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Faith United Methodist Church Mission Fund.

Schad and Zabel Funeral Home of Eyota is handling arrangements.