Kathleen Jo "KJ" Jones, 68, of Kendallville, Indiana, died Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Kendallville Manor.

She was born March 17, 1955, in Decatur, Indiana, to Cornelius Joseph and Gloria Jean (Hutson) Longardner.

She began her career as a switchboard operator for GTE and retired from Verizon after 33 years, 10 months. She also worked at Laubs Shell Station in Butler and Wal-Mart in Kendallville.

She was a member of the First Church of God in Kendallville.

KJ enjoyed reading, word search puzzles, and coloring. She dearly loved her grandchildren and her dog, Jenny.

Surviving are a son, Christopher Scott Jones of Harlan; grandchildren, Zander Jones, Zoelle Jones, and Selena Smith and their mother Shaylene; grandson, Jayden Jones and his mother, Jessica; a brother and sister-in-law Brian and Stacey Longardner of Fort Wayne; lifelong friend, Susie Boese of Kendallville; nephews and nieces, Scottie, Brittney, Codie, Shiann, Justin, Holly, Taylor, and Ryan; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Barry Longardner.

Funeral services will be Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Young Family Funeral Home, Kendallville Chapel, 222 South State Street, Kendallville with Pastor Regan Ford officiating.

Visitation is Thursday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the funeral home.

Burial will follow at Lake View Cemetery in Kendallville.

Pallbearers are Chris Jones, Zander Jones, Zoelle Jones, Jayden Jones, Scottie Longardner, and Codie Longarner.

KJ's funeral service on Thursday will also live stream on the Young Family Funeral Home Facebook page at 2 p.m. for those unable to attend in person.

Memorials may be directed to the Humane Society of Noble County.

Share memories and condolences at www.youngfamilyfuneralhome.com