Katherine (Katie) Margaret Jones

With tender hearts, we announce the passing of Katherine (Katie) Margaret Jones, age 19, who died on January 23, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa, due to complications from long-standing medical conditions.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Merle Hay Funeral Home, 4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA, with visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m.

Katie was born on January 1, 2007, in Provo, Utah, to Rusty and Kim Jones. From the very beginning, she was known for her bright spirit and sweet sense of humor. Katie had a way of communicating joy, determination, and connection that those who knew her will never forget.

Music was one of Katie’s great loves. She delighted in listening to her favorite songs again and again—especially Disney music. She adored Barney, High School Musical, the Pitch Perfect cup song, and the Trolls soundtrack (always making the delighted “crunch” sound before they are eaten). Her family treasures the way she expressed herself through sound, movement, and sign—waving goodbye, signing “all done,” and making sure everyone knew exactly when she was finished with something.

Katie loved people. She loved going to school, being out in the community, visiting stores and the library, and greeting everyone she met with a wave or a smile. Dining out was a favorite adventure—especially mac and cheese and rolls from Texas Roadhouse and grilled cheese and a cookie from McAlister’s Deli—and she never left a restaurant without saying goodbye to everyone there.

Family was the center of Katie’s world. She loved stealing her dad Rusty’s hat and interrupting his hugs with Kim to make sure she was in the center. She loved sitting at the piano with Kim and Megan, sitting ON Liz on the couch, and joyfully sword-fought with her brother Peter. She adored time with her grandparents—watching people swim, and riding in tractors with both grandfathers.

Katie had a playful side, too. She loved duck-duck-goose, had an excellent memory for her people, and enjoyed gentle pranks—playing tug-of-war with her special blankets, placing them on her dad’s head, or pretending to fall asleep just for fun. She knew what she wanted and was determined to get it, a strength that defined her life.

Katie especially loved her school communities, including Summit Middle School, and most recently Johnston Launch Program, where she cherished her teachers and friends. Her favorite place of all, however, was simply being home with her family.

To those who knew her, Katie was a beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, cousin, and friend. Her life was marked by connection, joy, persistence, and love.

Katie is survived by her parents, Rusty, and Kim Jones; her siblings, Elizabeth, Megan, and Peter Jones; her grandparents; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, teachers, and friends who will miss her beyond words. She was preceded in death by her beloved grandfather, Russell Jones.

Please go here to view the live Stream:  https://player.vimeo.com/video/1158942398

Following the ceremony the link will become a recording.