With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Sandra Ann "Sandy" (Weckerling) Jones, who passed away peacefully on March 23, 2025, in [Phoenix, Arizona] at the age of 84.
Born on June 19, 1940, in West Concord, Minnesota, Sandy was the cherished daughter of Philip Edward Weckerling and Edna Elaine (Verness) Weckerling. She grew up alongside her two brothers, Kenneth and Craig Weckerling, both of whom preceded her in death. She also had four half-brothers: Paul Weckerling and Randy Scott, who are deceased; and Kent Weckerling and Mark Scott.
After graduating from West Concord High School, Sandy moved to Rochester and began working at the Mayo Clinic. On March 17, 1962, she married Melvin Lawrence Jones. Together they built a life centered around love and family. They welcomed four children: Erin (Jones) Bellah, Elizabeth Jones, David Jones, and Adam Jones (deceased). In 1963, Mel and Sandy moved to Des Moines, Iowa, where they began raising their family. In 1979, they relocated to Glendale, Arizona before returning to Rochester in 2000.
Sandy dedicated much of her life to being a full-time homemaker for her family. Once her children were older, she worked in the parts department at Des Moines Flying Service. After moving to Arizona, she joined Mervyn's Department Store in the fine jewelry department and later served as office manager and paralegal at Bellah & Harrian Law Firm. She retired in 1999.
Following Mel's passing in 2005, Sandy moved into Fountaine Towers where she embraced an active social life. Known for her quick wit and infectious laugh, she became a beloved presence within the community-serving on various committees and forming lasting friendships over coffee and competitive card games during her 20-year residency there.
In March of 2024, Sandy returned to Arizona to be closer to her immediate family after being diagnosed with dementia. No matter where life took them-from Iowa to Arizona to Minnesota-the Jones home was always filled with joy, laughter, and an open-hearted welcome for all who entered.
Sandy is lovingly remembered by her daughters Erin (Jones) Bellah of Arizona and Elizabeth Jones of Minnesota; her son David Jones of Arizona; three grandchildren: Alexandria (Bellah) McConnell, Alyssa (Jones) Volk, and Regina Jones; as well as four great-grandchildren: Ethan McConnell, Elijah McConnell, Ezaylea McConnell, and Ezekiel McConnell.
She will be laid to rest alongside her husband at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Due to the geographic locations of Sandy's immediate family members, no memorial services are currently scheduled in Minnesota.
Sandy lived a vibrant life marked by kindness and generosity. Her warmth touched everyone she met. Above all else, she loved Jesus-and on March 23rd He welcomed her home.
