RICKY MERLIN JONES

Ricky M. Jones

Ricky Merlin Jones was born Oct. 1, 1958, in Malad, Idaho, and returned to his Heavenly Father on October 26, 2005, after struggling with diabetes and other health problems for the past several years.

He was the first of three sons born to George W. and Judy Ward Jones. As a young man, Ricky enjoyed high school sports, camping, river rafting, motorcycles and may other outdoor and competitive activities. He graduated from Malad High School in 1977 and married his high school sweetheart. After graduating from Idaho State University School of Vocational Technology, they made their home in Idaho Falls where Ricky worked as an auto parts technician. He was the father of two sons but unfortunately the marriage did not work out.

He later moved to Utah, where he worked at Hill Air Force Base and was active in Square Dancing and developed an interest in computer technology. He studied computer programming and worked as a computer support technician until health problems reduced his capacity to work.

He is survived by his parents; George W. and Judy Jones of Malad; two sons: Merlin A. (Dolly) Balzer of San Francisco, California; Justin R. (Adrian) Balzer and their children, Burkley 4 and Javen 1, of Preston, Idaho; two brothers: George P. (Violeta) Jones and children, Amy, 8, and Kevin, 5, of Clinton, Utah; David W. (Yuki) Jones and children, Jennifer, 13, Chelsea, 10, and Melanie, 2, of Okinawa, Japan.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday November 1, 2005, at 12 noon in the Malad LDS Stake Chapel, 1250 N. 11000 W. Burial followed in the Malad City Cemetey. [sic] Arrangements by Horsley Funeral Home, Malad.