Jessie Ruth Veach

Jessie Ruth Jones Veach, age 88 years, a resident of Vienna, passed away Saturday evening, August 27, 2016, at 11:58 PM at Reflections Memory Care Center in Herrin. Jessie was born May 27, 1928 at the family home near Dixon Springs, Illinois. She was the fifth of seven children and the only daughter born to Ray and Ruth (Whiteside) Jones. On January 1, 1949, Jessie was united in marriage to Allen Davis Veach. He preceded her in death. Survivors include: her children – Greg (his wife, Jurhee) Veach of Carbondale, John (his wife, Kim) Veach of Vienna, and Ruth Ann Levinson of Cobden; 6 grandchildren – Aaron, Jamie, Sarah, Jacob, Nicole, and Marissa; a great grandson – Levin Blakley; 3 brothers – Jerry Jones of the Dixon Springs community, Jack Jones of Metropolis, and Jean “Pete” Jones of Anna; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Jessie was preceded in death by: a son-in-law – Marc Levinson and 3 brothers – Jim Jones, Julius “Doc” Jones, and Joseph “Pistol” Jones. Jessie was a graduate of Golconda Township High School and had attended Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. As a young lady, Jessie lived and worked in Chicago. She was employed at the Palmer House Hotel where she was responsible for arranging for airline reservations for V.I.P. hotel guests. Jessie fondly remembered meeting many celebrities while performing her duties. Jessie worked for many years in the operation of the family business, Veach Oil Company. She served as the Secretary/Treasurer of the business until its sale in 2007. Jessie was a longtime member and the first female board member of the Illinois Petroleum Marketers Association. She served on the board for 10 years. Jessie was a member of the Vienna First Christian church and served for many years as the church organist. Jessie loved music. She, along with her husband Allen and their dear friends Ed and Jane Monroe, comprised the “West Town Brass” musical group. Jessie also was a member of the Vienna Bridge Club and was an adept card player. A Memorial Service honoring the life of Jessie Veach will be conducted Thursday evening, September 1, 2016, at 6 PM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Private inurnment will be in the Vienna Fraternal Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends from 4 PM – 6 PM Thursday at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 425 South Woods Mill Road, Town and Country, MO 63017 (www.diabetes.org); or Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter, 320 East Walnut Street, Suite A, Carbondale, IL 62901 (www.alz.org) or to Hospice of Southern Illinois, 204 Halfway Road, Marion, IL 62959 (www.hospice.org)

Jessie Ruth Veach

May 27, 1928 - August 27, 2016