By Allison R. Jones
The world mourns the loss of Louisa “Mimi” Jones-Cruz, who passed away at the age of 59 on December 29, 2023, in Overland Park, KS. Mimi faced adrenal cancer with unwavering courage, yet it never dimmed her sparkle, quick wit, and delightful sense of humor. Born on May 28, 1964, in Cape Girardeau, MO, she was the cherished daughter of Richard and Ellen Jones.
Mimi is survived by her devoted husband, Tim Cruz, her loving children Matthew Jones (Chelsea) and Allie Jones, and her siblings Laurie Jones, Drew Dement, Sara Sweeney (John), and Dan Jones (Casey). She also leaves behind numerous beloved nieces, nephews, friends, and her dear cat, Esmerelda.
A dedicated Supervisor of Career Development at SelectQuote, Mimi found joy in mentoring her colleagues and utilizing her abundant creativity to craft engaging presentations. Her passion for interior design kept her actively engaged in various home renovation projects. Mimi’s infectious cheer and warm smile will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Friends are invited to bid a final farewell to Mimi at Colonial Church, 7039 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS, on Saturday, January 6 with a visitation at 11am and service at 12pm. Those wishing to honor Mimi’s memory are encouraged to make a donation in her name to Shriners Children’s.
“The Sunshine Club” – A Prayer/Poem for Louisa W Jones
By Matthew Jones
Who can face the words ‘good-bye’,
The moon is so pale and the night is so still,
You cannot imagine the pain we feel,
Sparkle!
A million tomorrows for one yesterday,
That’s what I’d gladly pay,
Sparkle!
With the sun so bright,
Something in my mind will always remain;
You taught me as a child, that knowledge be the key,
To unlock my brain and set my mind free,
Sparkle!
The time has come for bad things to end,
So,
Close your dreary eyes and
Let the stars fill your mind, and
Dream the sweetest dreams of shining bright;
Sparkle!
Don’t get lost in the world, always march to your drum;
We will foster your hope and spread your love;
Sparkle!
As time goes by,
We will keep your memories alive,
We will keep everything moving while you keep the Sun on shining,
Sparkle!

Louisa will be dearly missed. Not only was Louisa a colleague, but she was a very dear friend. She took me under her wings and made me the person I am today. She assisted me in becoming a better speaker, writing and leadership skills. No matter what, she never had a negative word to say. Always encouraging those around her.
no matter how bad Louisa felt she was always there for me.
I know she is in Heaven smiling down and saying “Jody, let’s do it to it”. She was my rock and never let me quit.
I miss her text making sure everything was going well and her good morning wishes. She was there for me when I needed a shoulder to cry on or someone just to not me give up.
I miss you Louisa! I love you very much!
Matt and Allie – So sorry for the loss of your Mom ! She was always so much fun at the Sweeney gatherings at Thanksgiving and Christmas! I know she loved you with all her heart and so PROUD of what you both of become — amazing young adults with so much life to live !
Tim, my heart breaks for you as you were always right there for Mimi and made her smile!
To all the Jones Sisters … what a loss for all of you … sending HUGS!
Love Candi and Rob
Beautiful poem Matt. What a wonderful mother to raise the man you are. Sparkle on.
We are saddened to hear of your loss. May the memories you have keep her alive in your hearts forever. We pray God will hold you in his arms and bless you and your family during this difficult time. Mimi will be another angel on heaven, keeping an eye on you all.
Love Debra and Bill
Louisa will be dearly missed. She was not only my colleague, but also a very dear close friend.
No matter how much I wanted to give up because I thought I wasn’t doing a good job she never let me.
I will miss her text and calls. Everyday she would send me a word of encouragement until she became ill. Louisa taught me a lot and helped me grow. Because of her I have become a better public speaker, leader and overall person.
I know that Louisa is sitting up in Heaven saying: “Do it to it”. Many hours we spent just talking. She always had a shoulder for me to cry on or just talk to when I was having a bad day.
I love you Louisa, may your ray of sunshine always light my path!
The most beautiful soul I have ever met in my 42 years of life. Although we worked together remote, I definitely felt her warm sunshine through our daily chats. She never missed those “good mornings” and I only hope to be half of the energy and love she was. There are not enough words to explain how beautiful her soul was, one can only hope to be as kind and loving! I doubt to meet another that comes close to comparison to her, she has been missed dearly and will continue to be thought of and talked about, she left such impressions everywhere that she went!
So sorry to hear about the loss of my cousin Mimi. I have so many fond memories of my times with the Jones family. Matthew, what a beautiful poem.
Wow – what a shock. I’m so sorry and saddened to hear about the passing of Mimi. While my memories are from long ago, with our “2nd cousin” visits to the Jones family in Cape Girardeau when we were children, I certainly remember Mimi fondly. I’m not surprised by her description as an adult because she already had that spark and sparkle as a young girl. It probably makes her passing that much harder for those who loved her and walked with her closely for a long time. But it also makes the memories richer and sweeter as you dwell on the life she lived and the people she touched. May those memories grow in strength and in offering comfort for those who were closest to her.
Rest In Peace, Mimi – Godspeed.
Your 2nd cousin,
David
Louisa was such a bright light in this world and everyone who had the pleasure to meet her was better for it. I was lucky enough to be part of her work family and the interactions we had over the years will always bring a smile.
Louisa’s family,
I had the distinct privilege to work with Louisa. Like so many others have said if there was one word I could use to describe her in the time that I got to know her it was “joy”. Louisa embodied the good and beautiful things about this life that so many of us take for granted. Not Louisa, though. Every day she brought joy and she brought it abundantly. She made everyone she came in contact with have a better day by her presence and encouragement alone. She made it a point to say good morning to me every morning. We work remotely so 1500 miles away every morning she would send me a message to just say “good morning Fenn I hope you have a great day!”. I will miss her very much. My deepest condolences to your family at this time, as Louisa was truly one of a kind.
God bless you all.
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. May all the wonderful memories help you through this difficult time.
Louisa you are so greatly missed. The morning messages and just all around encouragement that you were always so great at giving. My heart is so heavy for the loss everyone is enduring. I know you will be waiting to show me around one day! Until that day comes, rest in peace my friend.
Louisa will be dearly missed, I was so encouraged coming in to select quote by Louisa and her enthusiasm to have us here. I am saddened by this news , however Ms Louisa and her great energy will always be remembered ! My condolences goes out to her husband and children !
Such a sweet soul! Now to be free of pain and sorrow. You will be missed my friend.
Louisa was an amazing lady. She helped me so much professionally. Regardless what she was going through she stayed positive. I never knew the battle she was going through. It breaks my heart she is no longer with us. I will miss her good morning messages and her positivity. I know she is no longer in pain and smiling looking over everyone. I pray for love, peace, and healing for her family during this very hard time. My deepest condolences.
Louisa, You was beautiful inside and out. I will always remember our last zoom meeting..informative and inviting ..you welcomed me to visit and we were to go out for coffee and shopping.I know that you are watching over us..miss you much Terri Lynn Selcectquote SDA