Mary Carroll Jones, of Warsaw, peacefully passed away at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, with family by her side on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at the age of 85.
Born on Sept. 7, 1939, in Muncie, Mary Carroll was the daughter of William and Virginia Tyrrell Church.
She graduated from Muncie Central High School, class of 1957, and furthered her education at Ball State. She later married Hayden Maxwell “Max” Jones II on April 20, 1963. Their partnership blossomed over the years and nurtured a loving family. Together, they spent their lives raising their three children, Mark, Kelly and Jenny.
Mary Carroll and Max embarked on a remarkable career path that began in the 1960s when they purchased Jones Hardware in Pierceton. From 1971 to 1975, they managed Jellystone Park, where they created lasting memories and friendships. Later, they acquired Rock Bottom Warehouse where Mary Carroll retired from in October of 2018, leaving a lasting mark on Kosciusko County.
Mary Carroll’s vibrant personality was highlighted by her outgoing nature; she was known for being the life of the party and never knowing a stranger. Being family oriented and able to connect with others made her a true matriarch who brought everyone together. She had a knack for creating warm and unforgettable moments with her loved ones, often through her great cooking. Some of her family’s favorites were her key lime pie, zucchini bread, Chex Mix and chicken pot pie. She eagerly shared her recipes with family and friends alike, always ensuring that everyone felt welcome. Her children remember her always sharing recipes on Facebook, even though she never made them.
Her life was enriched with many hobbies. Mary Carroll enjoyed clothes shopping and listening to Jimmy Buffet and Neil Diamond. She loved attending plays at the Wagon Wheel Theatre and going to lunches and dinners with her crew; they always kept her on the go. Additionally, she took great pride in caring for her flowers and landscaping and enjoyed reading a good book.
Those who survive with broken hearts are her husband, Max; son, Mark (Karen) Jones; and her daughters, Kelly (Craig) Smith and Jenny (Tyler) Pequignot; her grandchildren: Garrett (Paige) Jones, Logan (Desrah) Jones, Madison (Alex) Smith, Bryce (Angela) Pequignot, Bailey Pequignot, and Brandon Pequignot; as well as her great-grandchildren: Ellie, Jayce, Blakely, Maddex, Freya, Hayden Maxwell III, Rowan and Zuri. She is further survived by her sister, Pat Brennan, as well extended family members and many, many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Joann Jones; and her brother, Bill Church.
Titus Funeral Home is entrusted with the care of Mary Carroll. Her family is grieving privately. A Life Celebration is being planned for this summer.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana, 6316 Mutual Drive Fort Wayne, IN 46825, in her honor.
To leave a condolence, please visit www.TitusFuneralHome.com.