Nancy Dee Renner Jones

Nancy Renner Jones, 62, of Oskaloosa passed away Thursday morning, March 17, 2016, at her home in Oskaloosa. Nancy was born, June 2, 1953, in Macomb, IL the youngest of five children born to Edward Burton and Elizabeth Jean (McRaven) Renner. The family lived in Roseville, IL until Nancy was in junior high when they moved to Indianapolis, IN. She was a 1970 graduate of North Central High School. Nancy furthered her education at Indiana University in Bloomington where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism in 1975. She went on to earn a Master’s degree in Psychology from Western Illinois University. An internship in mental health care brought Nancy to Ottumwa in the early 90’s. She was later hired by Southern Iowa Mental Health as a counselor. Nancy’s work experience was challenging and diverse; at the time of her death she was employed by the Iowa Eighth Judicial District, First Resources Corporation Treatment & Counseling and the Iowa Department of Corrections. She counseled individuals in five different jails in southeast Iowa and women with substance abuse problems. While working in the Eighth Judicial District, Nancy met the Love-of-Her-Life, Daniel Jones, who worked as a probation officer. They married, May 6, 1994, in Oskaloosa where they made their home. Nancy and Dan had three children and in 2004 opened their home and their hearts to foster children. Tragically, Dan passed away in 2007 in a car accident while traveling for work. Nancy continued their commitment to children after Dan’s death, and nearly 20 foster children were nurtured and cared for in the Renner-Jones home. Many of them still looked to Nancy for guidance and assurance. Nancy was also a talented musician: she sang, wrote songs and played the guitar and piano. She was adamant that her children and foster children learn the joy of playing an instrument. Wrestling was a passion at the Jones home. Dan had wrestled for the University of Iowa and when Dane and Cody joined their schools’ wrestling teams, mom became the team’s number one supporter and fan. Just as her sons inherited their father’s love of wrestling, her daughter, Sara, has excelled at playing piano and guitar. Nancy was a member of the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation. Her dedication to others didn’t stop with her work and home life, she was active politically and didn’t hesitate to share her insights. She was also an independent distributer for Signature Homestyles. Nancy’s family includes her children: Sara Jones who is attending South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD, and Dane and Cody Jones who are attending William Penn University in Oskaloosa; two brothers: Steve (Lynette) Renner of Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA and Kenneth (Bonnie) Renner of Oakland, TN; a sister, Susan Renner of Phoenix, AZ; five nieces and two nephews: Etienne, Callie, Kate and Emilia Renner, Sara Mae Jones and Michael Renner and Shawn Jones; mother-in-law, Sally Jones of Webster, SD; brothers-in-law: Don (Shelly) Jones of Aberdeen, SD and David Jones of Webster, SD. Nancy gave her life in service to others and was loved by many. In addition to her husband, Dan, Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Milford Renner and her father-in-law, Lloyd Jones. Funeral services for Nancy will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 21, 2016, at the Bethel Baptist Church in Oskaloosa with Rev. Steve Cox and Rev. Bruce Thompson officiating. Cremation will follow the service and burial of Nancy’s ashes will be in Riverside Cemetery in Aberdeen, SD at a later date. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m., Sunday at Garland-Van Arkel-Langkamp Funeral Chapel; the family will be present from 5-7 to greet visitors. Memorials may be made in her name and will be designated at a later date.

Nancy Dee Renner Jones

March 17, 2016 - March 17, 2016