Deborah Mae Jones

Ms. Jones was born on March 11, 1955 in Fort. Rucker, Alabama to her parents, John and Lieselotte Jones. She graduated from Central Missouri State University with a degree in Computer Science in 1976. That same year, she married Don Szramkowski and together had two daughters, Katrina and Maria. In 1980, the Szramkowski family moved from St. Louis, Missouri to Portland, Oregon where Deborah worked as a computer programmer for PGE and Don was a service rep for Hunter Engineering. In 2017, Deborah retired after a long and successful career as a Software Engineer with 32 years at The Standard. Once retired, Deborah dedicated her time in caring for her grandchildren, as well as spending time with her beloved parents, partner and daughters. Deborah had a place that was very special to her and her partner, Ken Glaser, at Lake Merwin. Deborah enjoyed camping and fishing with the family, it was her sanctuary. Deborah also spent much of her time with her parents in Pacific City, her other sanctuary.

Ms. Jones was the most patient and supportive mother and grandmother. She had a strong passion for nature and the environment. She was a member of ABATE (A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments of Oregon is a not-for-profit organization supporting motorcycle rights and education). She received multiple awards for her active role in her support of the organization and community. Deborah also had a passion for reading and research. She would listen to NPR each morning and evening to stay on top of current events.

Deborah is survived by her daughter, Katrina Szramkowski; and her children, Jordan and Chloe of Vernonia, Oregon. Her daughter and son-in-law, Maria and Samrach Sar of Beaverton, Oregon; and their children, Sofia and Giselle. Her parents, John and Lieselotte Jones of Pacific City, Oregon. Her significant other, Ken “Skully” Glaser of Battleground, Washington. Her brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Beth Jones of Chesterfield, Missouri. She is preceded in death by her beloved sister, Alice Salat of Chicago, Illinois.

Mass will take place at St. Cecilia Catholic Church on April 15th at 10 a.m., followed by a reception at St. Cecilia Parish Center at 11a.m. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Ms. Jones' life. The burial will take place in a private ceremony at Finley Sunset Hills Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation for research.

God, grant me the serenity to accept things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; trusting that He will make all this right if I surrender to His Will; that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him forever in the next.

Amen.