Jones, Rannell

Rannell Jones

Services: Have been held.

Mr. Rannell Jones, 90, of Portales, died Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2005, at his home in Portales.

He was born on Sept. 12, 1914, in Buffalo Gap, Texas, to Lou and Randolph B. Jones. He was one of nine children. Jones graduated Hope high school in 1933 where he was also on the basketball team. He attended Arizona State Teacher’s College at Flagstaff. He earned his degree with a double major in 1938 and went on to teach on the Indian Reservation at Douglas, Ariz. He married Margaret Temme on June 18, 1938, in Flagstaff, Ariz. Jones later went to work as a field representative for the U.S. Soil Conservation Service. He made his home in Tucumcari for several years and then transferred to Portales in 1961. He married Bess Kelt on June 1, 1963, in Portales. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Portales. Family members said he was a hardworking man and always kept a perfectly manicured lawn. They also said he enjoyed woodworking and made many items that family and friends will cherish.

He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers, Earl, Allen, Henry, Raymon, George and one who died as an infant; a sister, Ruby Brewer; and his first wife.

Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Nancy Boatright (and husband, Chip) of Mundelein, Ill., and Sandra Stephens (Smitty) of Hoschton, Ga.; a step-daughter, Sandy Allen of Midland, Texas; a step-son, Keith Kelt (Marietta) of Santa Barbara, Calif.; eight grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; a sister, Lou Aganski of El Paso; and a brother, Robert Hubbard (Nancy) of Albuquerque.

Scott Reeves and Wayne Mize will officiate the services.

Burial will be at Portales Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Geordie Boatright, Devon, Michael and Bryan Allen, Landon Keith Kelt Jr. and Wesley Tune.

Memorial contributions may be made to Vista Care Hospice, 2700 Prince, Clovis, NM 88101.

Arrangements are by Wheeler Mortuary of Portales.