Artis Jean (Drenth) Jones

Artis Jean Drenth Jones, 75, passed from this life on December 22, 2025, at her home in Rotonda West, Florida.

  She was born to Arthur and Jean Drenth on April 13, 1950, in Charlevoix, Michigan. Artis was raised in Ellsworth, Michigan and attended Ellsworth Community School.  She graduated in 1968. Artie spent one year at Central Michigan University where she sang in the concert choir and playing the role of pitch pipe due to her perfect pitch.  

  Artie worked at Shanty Creek Lodge in various functions, occasionally on the piano. In the early 1970s, Artie toured Northern Europe with a girl friend from working at Shanty Creek.  She learned much about several cultures.  

  Her working continued in the optometry office of Dr. Robert Anderson in Charlevoix.

  Artie provided piano lessons for many area children and a few adults while providing music at Boyne City Presbyterian Church. She also donated time at East Jordan Public Schools and as a board member of the Miss East Jordan Scholarship Pageant. She worked the scorer's table for high school basketball games.

  Artis was a member of East Jordan United Methodist Church, now known as East Jordan Cornerstone Church and previously the Ellsworth Christian Reformed Church in Ellsworth.   

Artie enjoyed children, especially her stepchildren, nieces and nephews.

  Artie is survived by her husband, Brad Jones of Rotonda West, Florida; her stepchildren: Dia (Jill) Mitis-Jones of Fort Worth, Texas, Brent (Melanie) Jones of East Jordan and Kevin Jones in Milwalkee, Wisconsin; siblings, Sharon (Cornell) Alofs of Ellsworth, Dennis “Hud” (Jan) Drenth of Ellsworth, Shirley Boss of Ellsworth and Terry “Tex” (Rhonda) Drenth of Ellsworth.

   She was preceded in death by her parents; aunts and uncles, Ed and Shirley Wilbur, Dick and Mary Lou Johnson, Bob and Maxine Drenth; and brother-in-law, Ron Boss.  

  Artie had a ready smile and a gregarious personality. Many said, “she was one of a kind”. She will be missed by family and her many friends.  

  A memorial service will be held on June 1, 2026, at 2:00 P.M. at the Cornerstone Church, 201 Fourth Street, East Jordan, Michigan 49727.  The family will receive friends on Monday from 12:00 noon until service time.  Memorials may be directed to the East Jordan Cornerstone Church or the hospice of your choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Artis Jean (Drenth) Jones, please visit our floral store.