Suzanne Ewing Jones

Suzanne Ewing Jones (“Suz”) passed away peacefully, surrounded by her children, on January 18, 2026, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Suzanne was predeceased by her parents, Robert H. Ewing and Dorothy Elizabeth Black Ewing, and by her younger sister, Carol Jean Stroke (and brother-in-law John F. Stroke, deceased). Her eldest sister, Robin Ewing Hayden of Delaware, is the sole surviving member of Suzanne’s family of birth.

Suzanne was born on September 22, 1940, in Washington, D.C.  She was raised in close company with cousins and fostered those deep family connections throughout her life. Suzanne will forever be remembered as a loyal friend who was keen to clean and to rearrange your kitchen during a visit. She loved social gatherings and often hosted celebrations with family and friends.  Suzanne possessed the gift of focusing on the positive, even in the most challenging times. In addition to her role as a dedicated wife and homemaker, Suzanne was passionate in her volunteer work for women’s rights and social justice advocacy organizations.

Suzanne met her late husband, Thomas Daniel Jones (“Tom”), while serving as the “chaperone” for a friend who was on a blind date in Annapolis, Maryland. They were married on November 10, 1962 in Bethesda, Maryland.  Suzanne supported Tom during his pursuit of his college and law school degrees. As newlyweds, they especially enjoyed evenings at jazz clubs in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with Tom’s beloved dear sister Kathy Roggenbeck (deceased) and her husband, Bud Roggenbeck. In time, children, music, books and pets soon became the essence of their family life.

Their eldest daughter, Emily Elizabeth, was born during Tom’s studies. When Emily was three, Tom and Suzanne expanded their family through adoption.  Eventually the Jones family was complete with five daughters. Tom and Suzann created a home complete with love, music, and a strong emphasis on education and generosity. Their legacy matured into five strong and determined women prepared to pursue their respective life passions.

Once they became empty nesters, Suzanne and Tom freely pursued their love of the ocean and the mountains, living in Maine, Arizona, Maryland, and North Carolina. Following Tom’s death in 2014, Suzanne moved to Maryland and later to Michigan where she lived three blocks from Emily’s home, and a few hours from Allison’s residence and that of her granddaughter Corrine, and Corrine’s children in Dearborn, Michigan. Emily was with Suzanne daily, and Allison visited on the weekends.

In her final years, Suzanne faced the daunting challenges of Alzheimer’s disease. Long before her passing, family and friends mourned the gradual loss of Suzanne’s vibrant personality.

Suzanne is survived by her children: Emily Jones (son Nicholas Smith), Dorothy Jones (son Jason Kyler), Laura Jones, Lucie Jones Guajardo (late husband Javier P. Guajardo Jr.; son Augusto, step-children Andrés and Isabella Guajardo), and Allison Jones (daughter Corrine Hoyt; husband Jake Hoyt); as well as her great-grandchildren, Kai and Mia Hoyt.

Suzanne adored Josh Westmass, a close friend of Emily’s, and the extra attention and care he provided her in the last year of her life.  Her children are profoundly grateful for his support, and he has become like the brother they never had.

Also left to treasure her memory are many relatives including nieces Kimberly McLean of Colorado, Cindy Lynn Farmer of Delaware, Chris Roggenbeck Skiver of Michigan, and Kathleen Jones of Michigan; nephews John Stroke of Maryland and James Roggenbeck of Michigan; cousin Sara Todd of Colorado; and lifelong friends Bonnie Dunn of Texas, Dee Dee Patterson of Maryland, Bill and Fran Novelli of Maryland, Maureen and David Neumann of Maryland, and Lissa and John Hastings of Maine. 

The family would like to acknowledge the compassionate care and therapies (including music and massage therapy) provided by Hospice – Care Team of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Hospice Nurse Jackie Bertram excelled in both her gentle care of Suzanne and her patience and support of Suzanne’s children as they became educated in the process of passing with dignity. The family also extends heartfelt thanks to the experienced staff at The Cortland Riverside Gardens in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and to Sharmale for her weekly care of Suzanne.

Suzanne’s cremated remains will join those of her beloved husband, Tom, at Arlington National Cemetery in a private family ceremony.

With love and gratitude,
The Jones Girls (Women)

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