Barbara “Barb” Jones, 86
Barbara Ann Jones, affectionately known as “Barb,” passed away peacefully home on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
Funeral services will begin at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, April 25, at Faith United Church in Brandon. Visitation with family present to greet friends will be from 5-7 p.m., Friday, April 24 at Faith United Church with a 7 p.m. Prayer Service.
Barb was born June 24, 1939, in Sioux Falls, S.D., to Reinhold “Red” Bethke and Margarie (Wood) Bethke. In 1948, her family moved to Oldham, S.D. where they owned and operated the Oldham Bar. Barb graduated from Oldham High School in 1957 and later returned to Sioux Falls to attend the Stewart School of Hairstyling in 1958.
In 1959, Barb married Jack Mader, and they were blessed with three children: Kim, Jackie, and Bart. Tragically, Jack passed away in a car accident in 1962. Barb found love again and married Lynn Jones in 1963, and they welcomed one son, Blaine. Lynn preceded her in death in 1992.
Barbara dedicated many years of her professional life working in Medicare and health insurance until her retirement in 2001.
She found great joy in life’s simple pleasures. Barbara was an avid reader and a gifted crocheter, lovingly creating afghans, scarves, hats, ponytail holders, and countless other treasures for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was instrumental in helping establish the Prayer Shawl Ministry at Faith United Church. Barbara also enjoyed playing cards with friends several times a week and faithfully served her church as both a Deacon and an Elder.
She never missed a chance to enjoy her favorite ride, “It’s a Small World.” Anybody who knew her knew her deep love for Elvis Presley. Above all, Barbara cherished attending the many activities and events of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Barb’s house was always the gathering place and she is remembered for the gravity of her affection and abiding family togetherness.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Reinhold and Margarie Bethke; her brothers, Dennis “Denny” Bethke and Michael “Mike” Bethke; her husbands, Jack Mader and Lynn Jones; and her sons-in-law, Daniel Christensen and James VerMeer.
She is lovingly remembered by her children, Kim Christensen, Jackie VerMeer, Bart Jones (Ronda Rubin), and Blaine (Annie) Jones; grandchildren, Jamie VerMeer, Julie (Michael) Westphalen, Justin VerMeer, Andy (Amy) Jones, Nathan (Harpreet) Jones, Jarod (Beth) Jones, Brittany (Tucker) Stewart, Scarlett (Tucker) Felix, Tucker (Kati Antonie) Melmer, Molly (Joshua) Biber, Maddie Melmer, Brodie Jones, Christian Jones, and Ainsley Jones; great-grandchildren, Aria, Emmalyn, Tysen, Avery, Allie, Breckin, Raiden, Liam, Lakin, Logan, Lexis, Cade, Caileigh, Nolan, Emilia, and David; sister-in-law, Lillian Bethke; nieces, Kay Lynn (Tim) VanHolland and Stacey (John) Sieverding; nephews, Danny (Sharon) Bethke and David (Mary) Bethke; great-nieces, Ava Sieverding, Sara (Warren) Ross, and Amanda (Matthew) O’Neil; great-nephews, Cole VanHolland, Carter VanHolland, Hunter Sieverding, Travis (Ayla) Bethke, and Trevor (Sarah) Bethke; a host of other great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews; dear friend, Dick Coots; and a multitude of others who considered Barb an additional ‘Mom’ and ‘Grandma.’
For online condolences, visit georgeboom.com.
