Carolyn Ruth Jones

Carolyn Ruth Jones, 74, of Okemos, Michigan, our Sister, Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma and a friend to everyone she met, passed away on March 24, 2021. A gentle soul with an infectious smile and great fashion sense, Carolyn brought a sweetness to life at her work, with her family, and in her social circle. The loving grace with which she treated us all will be difficult to replace and we miss her very much, already.

Carolyn was born with brilliant Scottish red hair and sparkly green eyes filled with mirth and delight on February 4th of 1947 in Wellington, Texas to Dorothy and Alfred Tennison. The fiery hair matured into a perfect shiny silver patina and her eyes always retained the joy of her youth. Her beauty was the envy of her friends.

A book lover, Carolyn had little libraries stashed all around the house and was always checking the stacks for new arrivals or sharing books with her children. Being so well read, Carolyn was confident of her academic achievement as a fifty-something returning college student and graduated with honors from Kellogg Community College.

Carolyn was a leader and a teacher of young talent in the hospitality industry, a career that perfectly suited her desire to care for others. Her work was important to her and she was very good at it.

Carolyn was first and foremost a Mom and Grandma and was extraordinarily proud of her children, Chuck Barnes (Donna), Cyndi Thomas (Rob), Lynn Lahusky (Joe) and Alicia Redditt all of whom have survived Carolyn and will be gathering to celebrate her life with her grandchildren, Kristi, Josh (Ashley), Christopher, Kassidy, Logan (Ava), Emily, Jessie, Jordan and Philip. Her first great-grandchild, Luke, son of Logan and Ava was such a delight for her. That sweet young man made her heart sing.

Carolyn was able to create and share some amazing memories with her sister Pat who lives in New Mexico. The years they lived together in Albuquerque were some of Carolyn’s fondest memories.

Carolyn was preceded through the pearly gates by her parents, and her sisters, Delores, Dana, and Judy.

Services are being coordinated by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes with visitation at the East Lansing location Tuesday, March 30 from 2-4PM and 6-8PM and a rosary service at 7PM. Carolyn’s casket will be open at Saint Martha Catholic Church on Wednesday, March 31 at 10AM followed by Mass at 11.

Readings will be by Lynn Lahusky, Alicia Redditt, and the eulogy by Cyndi Thomas. Pallbearers will be Chuck Barnes, Joe Lahusky, Josh Lahusky, Christopher Heyes, Jordan Lahusky and Philip Redditt. The sacramental gifts will be presented by her grandchildren. Flowers and well-wishers are welcomed and appreciated.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.greastlansing.com