Esther Kate Pierce Jones

Esther Kate Pierce Jones, 96, went to be with her Lord and Savior Monday, March 24, 2014, at 1:10 a.m., in the Schleicher County Nursing Home. She was born Jan. 18, 1918, in Ozona, Texas, to prominent Crockett County ranchers Joe and Gladys (Moore) Pierce Jr. She married William Dempster Jones of Ozona, a prominent Crockett County rancher, Feb. 27, 1937, at Ozona United Methodist Church. They made their home at the ranch and enjoyed 62 years of marriage. At an early age, her father, Joe Pierce Jr., gave her a flock of registered Rambouillet sheep, which he bought at the Ozona Rodeo and Stock Show in 1930. She had her own herd of registered Hereford cattle. She branded the "Dipper". Mrs. Jones graduated from Ozona High School, going her first year of college to Gulf Park College in Gulfport, Miss., a girl's school. She also attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas. She was a member of the Ozona United Methodist Church, the Ozona Women's Forum, Ozona Country Club Ladies Golf Association and the local PTA. She was the oldest member of the Ozona Methodist Church at the time of her death. She had taught Sunday School for many years She was a member of the Women's Society of Christian Service in her church, chairman of the Crockett County Civic Center Board and Crockett County Museum. She was involved in moving the museum from the high school to its current location. She was active as an adult leader in the Crockett County 4-H Club where she assisted Lorelei Hankins with the horse judging team and the Girl Scouts. She retired from riding horses & gathering livestock at the age of 80. She also enjoyed playing golf well into her 80s, winning Ladies Club Champion for several years at the Ozona Country Club. She was preceded in death by her husband, Willliam Dempster Jones; parents Mr. and Mrs. Joe Pierce Jr.; brother Pie Pierce; nephew Joe Boy Pierce; daughter Robin Jones; two infant daughters; son-in-law Earl Acton; and grandson Marty Acton. She is survived by two daughters, Pam Acton and Shelley Conner and husband T.C.; three grandchildren, Bobbie Renfroe and husband Billy Dell, Tommy Conner and Robin Campbell; three great-grandchildren, Aaron Renfroe and wife Kari, Kelbie Renfroe and Dempster Campbell; and one great-great-grandson, Wyatt Tate Renfroe. In leui of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Crockett County Museum. Crockett County Library, Ozona United Methodist Church or the Crockett County 4-H Youth Show Association Scholarship Fund. Service is at 11 a.m. Friday, March 28, 2014, at Ozona United Methodist Church. Paulbeareres are Joey Pierce, Pierce Miller, Sooner Williams, Fred Chandler, Cliff McMullan, Dempster Dobson, Trey Van Shoubrouek and Fred Deaton. Honorary Pallbearers are Willie Pierce, Erby Chandler, Richard Preston, Fred Van Shoubrouek, Fred Dobson, Clement Morgan, Raleigh Conner, Kenneth Mauldin and Ralph Van Shoubrouek.