Sandra (Patterson) Jones

Sandra (Patterson) Jones passed away peacefully on January 14, 2025 at The Pointe Memory Care in Jacksonville, IL. 

Sandra Louise Sergeant was born October 27, 1936, to Harold and Sadie Sergeant in Princeton, IL.   She grew up with six siblings, to whom she remains remarkably close, and graduated from Princeton High School in 1955. Soon after graduation, she married her high school sweetheart, James (Jim) Patterson on July 15, 1955. She and Jim were very devoted to each other throughout their 51 years of marriage. They lived most of their married life in Kewanee, IL where they raised four beautiful daughters.

Jim loved planning yearly trips for Sandra and their girls which involved camping and hiking at destinations throughout the United States. Sandra was an incredibly talented seamstress, making dresses for her girls for many special occasions, including their weddings.  Decorating their home and baking were also where Sandra displayed her talents.

Stemming from their love for camping, Jim and Sandra opened Kewanee Camping Center in 1977. Sandra was a proud small business co-owner, always present to greet customers and assist with all aspects of the business. Eventually, she returned to work as a teaching assistant in Special Education classrooms until her retirement from Kewanee School District.

Sandra always felt and displayed a deep love for others. She welcomed foster children into their home, cared deeply for each one of her students and, every Christmas, tirelessly made her famous Cinnamon Roll Wreaths for neighbors and friends. She was a devoted member of First Christian Church in Kewanee for many years where she volunteered for any role she could.  Her favorite activity was spending time with her family.

Jim preceded her in death on July 30, 2007, after a lengthy battle with cancer.  With still a lot of love to give, Sandra married Lester (Les) Jones of Kewanee, IL on December 19, 2011. She and Lester bought a motor home and enjoyed traveling and visiting their families.  After a courageous battle with cancer, Les preceded her in death on July 5, 2013.

In Sandra’s later years, she was diagnosed with dementia and had to rely on others to provide the care that she had always given to others. The family appreciates the wonderful care of the care staff at Courtyard Estates and Betty’s Garden in Kewanee and The Pointe and Elara Hospice in Jacksonville, IL for allowing Sandra to live safely and happily until she could comfortably pass on to her next life.

Sandra is survived by her children, Mandy (Larry) Renfro of Haines City, FL; Sharon (Tony) Becker of Springfield, TN; Debby (Pete) Verkruyse of Hartsburg, IL; and Linda (Tony) Dawson of Kewanee, IL; siblings Harold (Hallie) Sergeant of Peru, IL; Janet (Stan) Bullard of Camp Verde, AZ;   Donna (Dave) Van Cleave of Marion, IN; Dennis (Cherryl) Sergeant of Pilot Point, TX; and Judy (Carl) Keirsnowski of Wyanet, IL. She is also survived by grandchildren Timothy (Molly) Renfro, Sarah (Audie) Confesor, Andy (Rita)Renfro, Nicolas (Molly) Becker, Joshua (Jami) Becker, Alyson (Brady) Wrezinski, Joye (Billy) George, PJ Verkruyse, Amy (Jon) Butcher, Cassie (Cooper) Barnett, Ashley (Jake) Hampton, and Josiah Dawson and great-grandchildren Alyce Renfro, Evan and Lucy Hayes, and JT Renfro, Jackson Becker, Mavis Becker, Henry, Isla, and Boone Wrezinski, Jody, Jack and Lilly Hayter and Lindsay Hampton and step great-grandchildren Miriya and Cyrus LaPrete. Sandra was preceded in death by her parents, two loving husbands, her brother Ron, and an infant granddaughter Lindsey.

A memorial service will be held at the First Christian Church in Kewanee on Friday, January 17 at 11:30 a.m. The family will receive visitors beginning at 10:00 a.m. before the service and would like all guests to stay for a luncheon provided by the church afterwards.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the First Christian Church. Live streaming will be available for those unable to attend at https://www.facebook.com/ruxfuneralhome.

A private interment will take place at a later date.  Rux Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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