RANGELEY — Sue Ann Jones, 70, died Thursday July 2, 2009 in the comfort of her home on the shore of Rangeley Lake, with loving family at her side.

She was born June 30, 1939, in Indianapolis, Ind., a daughter of Harry and Helen (Eaker) Morton. She received her education in Indiana schools and excelled in competition diving. On July 10, 1970, Sue married her best friend William "Bill" Jones in El Paso, Texas.

Together, they ran the Art Jones Company in New Britain, Conn. a legendary clothing store with Bill's brother Mark and his wife, Beverly. Upon retirement, they relocated to Rangeley where they both enjoyed an active working retirement. They both continued to work within and for the community of Rangeley and at the local ski area, Saddleback.

She was an outdoors person who enjoyed hiking, running, skiing and gardening. She had a competitive edge which was evident in her marathon adventures. The most notable was the Marine Corps Marathon in Arlington, Va. that she successfully completed after recovering from brain tumor surgery a year prior. This event and many other accomplishments defined her strengths and proved her endurance among the toughest and best.

Sue's first priority was always her family. In turn, they were proud of her as a person; unique, interesting and compassionate. She enjoyed a challenge, always championed the underdogs who had the spirit and desire to excel, never accepted the suggestion of being told she couldn't do something, and through all of life's challenges, maintained a sense of humor and dry wit.

Her husband of almost 40 years, Bill Jones of Rangeley, survives her; as well as her children, Brett Preston and his fiancé, Tatiana Sanfeliz, of Anthony, N.M., Gregory "Greg" Preston and his wife, Nancy, of Salem, Conn. and Kimberly Hull and her husband, David, of Lapel, Ind.; a brother, Ted Morton and his wife, Patty, of Alexandria, Va.; and grandchildren, Amy Preston, Ashley Preston, Parker Preston, Hunter Preston and Carsan Preston.

She was predeceased by a brother, Jerry Morton. Family and friends are invited to a public memorial graveside service on Saturday afternoon, Aug. 1, 2009 at 2 p.m. at Evergreen Cemetery in Rangeley. Casual attire. Following services, all friends are invited to attend a reception at Sue and Bill's home on Rangeley Lake.

Those who desire may give remembrance gifts to Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice 284 Main St., Suite 290 Wilton, Maine 04294 for Franklin County Hospice patients.