Marian Ruth (Beach) Jones
Marian Ruth (Beach) Jones was born to Arthur and Helena Beach on September 21, 1944, in Whittier, California. Her parents didn’t have a name for their new redhaired baby girl and chose a name after the Marian Pattern Company. She was destined to sew and quilt beautiful works of art. She spent her childhood growing up throughout California and graduated from San Luis Obispo High School in 1962.
She was a proud Tiger Alumni. She made many dear friends during high school, who have remained lifelong friends. She attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and Cuesta College, and was employed with the County of San Luis Obispo. In 1967, she met Don Jones on a weekend backpack trip. Don couldn’t keep his eyes off Marian, or her car, a Chevy Corvair. She often bragged that her car helped to attract her man. The couple fell in love and balanced one another well. The couple married in 1970, and began their life together in Santa Barbara, CA. Marian was employed for the County of Santa Barbara. She and Don raised two daughters (Karen and Amber). She had may talents and interests, such as cooking (Coca-Cola Cake was a family favorite), sewing, needlepoint, quilting, traveling, camping, and volunteering in the local community.
She also was a matchmaker and played cupid by reuniting some friends. She enjoyed listening to Dolly Parton and The Beach Boys and attended concerts. She was a lifelong Dodger Baseball fan, and often loudly cheered for her team. She was a member of Trinity Baptist Church and Calvary Baptist Church. She had an amazing generous spirit, and a beautiful smile. She was preceded in death by her husband, Don of 52 years.
She is survived by daughters Karen (Ryan), and Amber. She is the proud grandma to Kane (Cydney), Kalena, and Kiana. She has one sister, Pat, and was a fun aunt to her many nieces and nephews. She was very family oriented. She was a kind human being, good friend and loving to each person she encountered. She passed away on March 16, 2026, after a brief illness at 81 years old. A private celebration of life will be held.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Sarah House of Santa Barbara, where Marian received compassionate care, or ResQCats of Santa Barbara. Marian loved her cats, and they loved her. Marian will be buried in her favorite dress, her wedding dress.
