In Memoriam: Ruth Jones, Foster Stephens Inc.

KENILWORTH, Ill. — Ruth Jansen Jones, 103, died here at her home early on the morning of July 16, her daughter, Nancy Jones, says.

Ruth Jones helped out at her husband Elmer (Bill) Jones’ company, Foster Stephens Inc., and became chairman of the board after his death.

“She ran the company successfully for many years, overseeing changes both with technology and the focus of the company,” says Nancy Jones, the current company owner. “She turned it from an advertising company specializing in posters and other printed material to a company that focused on the preservation of wedding gowns and other textiles.”

Jones says her mother was active with many hobbies and charities. Ruth Jones was a Girl Scout leader, volunteered at the Kenilworth Union Church, and was a skilled knitter, embroiderer, as well as an avid bridge player.

“When she could, she traveled the world,” Nancy Jones recalls.

Ruth Jones was born Aug. 16, 1912, in the family home in Chicago, the oldest child of Lulu (Louisa Anna Sedmihradsky) and Jack (John Ralph) Jansen. In 1952, she married Elmer (Bill) Jones.

Surviving her are daughters Elizabeth and Nancy, seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Donations in her name may be made to the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

Ruth Jansen Jones, shown here at her 100th birthday party a few years ago, died in July at age 103. She first helped out her husband, Elmer (Bill) Jones, at his business, Foster Stephens, and became chairman of the garment preservation company upon his death. (Photos: Foster Stephens, Inc.)

“My mother took on the title of chairman of the board of Foster Stephens. This photo of her is probably from the 1970s,” says daughter Nancy Jones, who now owns the company. “She worked at the office three days a week. Mom took care of the higher-level items. She was very into modernizing the office with computers in the ’70s and ’80s.”

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