Sara Jones

Sara J. Jones, 81, of Pecatonica, IL died Tuesday March 5, 2024 at 4:41 pm in Cedar Crest Health Center in Janesville WI after a brief illness. She was born on November 2, 1942 in Davenport, IA, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph E. and Virginia (Banks) Hetzer. Sara grew up in Tipton, IA and attended Rockford College where she graduated in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Sara married David E. Jones in Tipton, IA on August 26, 1962 and they initially resided in Rockford, IL. She taught for the Rockford School District for a short time. Sara and Dave moved to Pecatonica, IL and founded Apache Chemicals in Seward, IL in 1972. She started at Apache as the office manager and eventually became the company’s Chief Financial Officer. Sara kept all the books for the company and ran the day-to-day office operations. Her eye for business detail was a perfect complement to Dave’s technical expertise and grand ideas. Sara and Dave continued to expand and grow Apache and the company eventually had 35 employees. They sold the company and retired in 1984.

In addition to the business, Sara’s lifelong passion was Arabian horses. Sara and Dave raised Arabian horses for much of their lives. She was a long-time member of the Al Khamsa Preservation Society for Arabian Horses. Sara helped create and maintain Al Khamsa’s genealogy database for over three decades.

Sara’s other passions included raising three rambunctious boys, spending time with her five grandchildren, collecting Amish and Mennonite quilts, and the National T.T.T. Society for disadvantaged girls. Sara and Dave traveled frequently after retiring. They made many trips to visit their sons and grandchildren and they traveled outside the US including trips to China, Mexico, Europe, Costa Rica, and Panama. Sara was a heart attack, breast cancer, and traumatic brain injury survivor.

Sara is survived by her sons Chris (Lisa) Jones, Matt (Denise) Jones, Tim (Patty) Jones; grandchildren Andrew (Sarah) Jones, Katelyn Jones, Kyle Jones, Kyle Pierson and Anthony (Megan) Pierson; brother Bob Hetzer; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, husband, and sisters Suzie and Marilu.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at McCorkle Funeral Home - Rockton Chapel, 767 N Blackhawk Blvd., Rockton, IL. Cremation Rites were Accorded. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, the National T.T.T. Society., the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, or the charity of your choice.