Having enjoyed more than 97 years of a life well-lived, Nancy Boyd Jones Aton died April 11, 2022.  A life-long Springfieldian, she was born at home on South Market Street to Mary Chambers Jones (Link) and Horace Boyd Jones on August 11, 1924.  She was a much-loved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother----- the female example of "The Greatest Generation."  She lived her life with quiet grace, great intelligence and courage.  A true red-head, she was also full of fun, competitive on the golf course and tennis court for much of her life, and a force at a bridge table until the final weeks of her life.

Nancy attended Greenwood Laboratory School on the SMS (now MSU) campus from kindergarten through 12 ^th grade.  She was elected Fair Greenwood and was valedictorian of her senior class.  She attended the University of Chicago on a scholarship her freshman year.  When dorms on the campus were requisitioned for housing for the Great Lakes Naval Training Base, she returned to Springfield and attended Drury College for one year where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority.

The summer following her sophomore year, Ray Aton (8 years her senior) returned on leave after 3 years of WWII operations in the South Pacific.  What started as a Marine writing to the younger sister of a good friend, turned into a life-long love story.  Nancy and Ray were engaged on their first date and married one month later on September 30, 1944.  They were married 48 years until Ray's death on April 14, 1993.

As a bride and young mother, Nancy used her many talents to create an inviting and nurturing home for her family and friends; It was her "job" and she was an expert.  From warm hospitality experienced through the years by their many close friends and family members, to gourmet meals, incredible knitting and smocking skills and total involvement in her daughters' interests and activities—hers was the contribution of the quintessential head of hearth and home.

In addition, Nancy was active in community affairs into her later years.  She was a founding member of the Community Service League (later the Junior League of Springfield).  She served on the board and was involved in establishing the early forerunner of today's History Museum.  She was a member of the   Springfield Art Museum board and was its president and was an early member of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks board of directors.  Nancy served on the Springfield Regional Arts Council and volunteered at Artsfest for many years.  She was active with Sister Cities and hosted visitors from Isesaki, Japan; as well as visiting Tlaquepaque, Mexico.

Nancy was a third-generation member of Christ Episcopal Church.   She once said that every important event in her life was connected to her church. She was a member of the Vestry and served as Senior Warden; a long- time member of the Altar Guild; a member of St. Mary's Guild and worked weekly over four decades at the Next to New Shop.

Travel was a passion and included many memorable family trips along with a cabin on Table Rock Lake.  After their nest emptied the world beckoned and Nancy and Ray travelled to Europe, the Middle East, South America, Africa and many points in between.  Nancy continued travelling with friends and family after Ray's death visiting the Bahamas and Paris frequently.

Nancy was a life-long learner; slow to judge, quick to study and willing to pivot to keep up with the changing times.  She embraced the ideas and thoughts of her children and grandchildren, or at least gave them consideration.

She was blessed with the rare ability to get along with most everyone.  She died as she lived; gracious and accepting, a lady to the end and always grateful for the life she was privileged to lead.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband Ray; her parents; brother, Jack Boyd Jones and granddaughter, Madeline Ann Mellers.

Gammy is survived by her daughters:  Sally Baird (Robert), Ann Bush (Christopher), Julie Leeth (Bruce), Mary Heausler (Thomas); her grandchildren:  Andrew Baird, Kate Baird (Mike Stevens), Melissa Kehrli (Adam), Patterson Leeth (Sarah), Emily Taylor (Gary), Abigail Heausler, and Peter Heausler; and her great grandchildren, Stefan and Marie Baird; Jackson and Paige Kehrli; and Saskia and Fiona Stevens. In addition, she is survived by several nieces and nephews and their families.

Heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Nancy's faithful and loving caregivers, Patti and Donna.

Private services will be held for the immediate family with inurnment in the Columbarium at Christ Episcopal Church.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, 601 E. Walnut or to the Ray F and Nancy J Aton Memorial Fund at the Community Foundation of the Ozarks.