Elaine Irene Jones

Elaine Irene Jones passed away at Boone Health on the morning of April 7, 2025 after a long battle with several ailments.

Elaine was born on February 3, 1948 in Alton, Illinois to Lloyd William and Thelma Irene (Hall) Slaughter. She was the eldest of three girls, and kept things interesting for her family. Elaine graduated from Roxana High School in 1965. She would want everyone to know that this was a year early as she was able to skip the second grade.

Elaine married Herman Dale Smith in 1968 in Wood River, Illinois, and their union lasted for eleven years. They had three children together. Shortly after getting married, she graduated from nursing school in 1969, which was the start of her fifty plus year nursing career. Elaine married Allan William Jones in 1991 and their union lasted for 18 years.

Elaine moved to Columbia, Missouri in 1980 with her three kids, working primarily at Boone Hospital Center. In 1985 she earned her Masters of Science in Nursing, and began working as a nurse practitioner. She worked in several fields, including pediatrics and rheumatology to name a few. In addition to nursing, Elaine served on a jury trial in 1987 which sparked an interest in the law. After a short time practicing for the law school entrance exam, she began her law studies and graduated from the MU School of Law in 1991.

She worked for several hospitals and physicians throughout her career. Most recently she worked at Centerpointe Hospital and Boone Health in Columbia, Missouri.

Besides her career, Elaine was known for her love of animals. She had a passion of horses, especially her paint horses Janice, JL, and Dolly. Later, after a local crime had her concerned about safety, she discovered a strong interest in Rottweilers, training and showing several of her dogs for many years, and winning numerous awards and recognitions in the process.

Elaine had numerous other hobbies and interests, including playing guitar and piano, as well as other instruments, and helping with the worship music at her church. Elaine participated in triathlons, was an avid archer, scuba diving enthusiast, and collector of all types of items. She never pursued anything halfway. If she was in, she was all in.

Elaine is survived by her children, Michael (Lisa) Smith of Columbia, Missouri; Rachel (Ken) Pieczonka of San Tan Valley, Arizona; Jill McMillin of O’Fallon, IL, as well as her sisters, Janet (Michael) Sheets of Mt. Vernon, IL; Ellen (Jim) McIntosh of Garland, TX. Elaine had six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and a great-granddaughter.