Ronnie E. Jones

Ronnie E. Jones, 71, of Rochelle, Illinois, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, following a courageous year-and-a-half battle with pancreatic cancer. Born on January 7, 1955, in Wilson, Arkansas, he was the son of Troy and Katherine (Anderson) Jones. He married Betty Newton on September 15, 1973, in Rochelle.

Ronnie cherished his wife, children, and grandchildren with his whole heart. A true car enthusiast, he enjoyed attending car shows and spending time in his shop with friends and family. He also loved riding motorcycles, trips to the drag strip, and listening to live music. Above all, the time spent with those he loved meant everything to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Jerry Jones and Ricky Jones; and one sister, Kathy Thorp.

Ronnie is survived by his wife, Betty Jones of Rochelle, Illinois; his children, Angie (Matt) Zilm of Davis Junction, Jeffrey (Tracy) Jones of Monroe Center, Illinois, and Jonathan (Valerie) Jones of Oregon, Illinois; his brothers, Travis (Teresa) Jones of Stillman Valley, Illinois, and Michael (Mary) Jones of Byron, Illinois; and his sister, Marilyn Flores of Elgin, Illinois. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Ryder and Presley Zilm, Hailey and Chase Jones, and Caleb and Noah Jones.