Rachel Mary Dekeyser Jones

Rachel Mary DeKeyser Jones, aged 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Thursday, March 27, 2025. She was born on the family farm on December 22, 1946 to Julius and Rose DeKeyser in Brussels, WI. She graduated from Southern Door High School in 1964. She continued to live in Brussels until one night in 1967 when a young man in a Coast Guard uniform asked her to dance at a local bar. Thus began a 57-year love affair. That young man, Paul Jones, was stationed at the US Coast Guard Station in Sturgeon Bay. They married on May 25, 1968 and settled in Sturgeon Bay. After they welcomed their daughter Sherry, they moved back to the family farm in Brussels. When Paul’s tour with the Coast Guard was over, they relocated to Paul’s hometown of Indianapolis, IN.

Paul became a police officer with the Indianapolis Police Department while Rachel was a homemaker, a retail store manager for Catherine’s and BJ’s, moving on to be a customer service agent for Purolator Courier in the 80s and finally a secret shopper for many retail stores and restaurants.

Rachel loved her friends, her cats, James Patterson novels, Lady and the Tramp, Winnie the Pooh, Christmas, and Starbucks. She never met a baby she did not want to cuddle. But most of all she loved her family and was fiercely protective of them. Hour-long phone calls between Rachel and her sister, Rose LeCloux, were the norm. She and Paul made frequent trips to visit her in Wisconsin.

Rachel was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Paul Jones, sister Rose LeCloux, daughter Sherry (Lorne) Hudson, 8 grandchildren: Chris Fiscus, Shelby (Jon) Bergquist, Jak Thompson, Liz (Josh) Lehmkuhl, Brandon Hudson, Andrew (Gabby) Hudson, Christopher Hudson and Hannah (Malik) Sellers; 7 great-grandchildren: Carter Hudson, Josie Lehmkuhl, Millie Sellers, Mylah Hudson, Lukas Sellers, Leo Lehmkuhl and Maggie Sellers; a nephew, Dan LeCloux and a niece, Jill (Mark) Siegworth and several cousins.

On the day of her passing, stories were shared among the family, including how she got the nickname “Cheese Queen.” IYKYK

She will be remembered for her laugh, her love of a good joke, her hugs, which left you smelling of her perfume, and her ability to put her foot down when needed. The family mantra is, “Don’t make me go Rachel on you!”

Viewing will be at Flanner Buchanan-Floral Park located at 425 N Holt Rd., on Wednesday, April 9 from 4-8 PM. A funeral memorial service will be at the same location on Thursday morning, April 10, at 10:30 AM. This will be followed by a procession, a short chapel service, and burial at West Ridge Park Cemetery (9295 W. 21st St.).

If you prefer to make a donation in lieu of flowers, the family has asked that you make a donation to Indy Humane in Rachel’s honor.

Her passing has left a massive hole in the hearts of all who knew her. Thank you for all of the life lessons Mom, Grandma, GiGi – we will take it from here.