Elsie Lee (Morlang) Jones

Elsie Lee (Morlang) Jones, a cherished member of her community and beloved matriarch, passed away peacefully at her home in Grants, New Mexico, on March 19, 2026. Born on August 7, 1937, in Olathe, Colorado, Elsie’s life was marked by her warmth, creativity, and enduring dedication to her family.

Throughout her life, Elsie found joy in the simple pleasures of nature and craft. She had a special love for hummingbirds, which seemed to reflect her gentle spirit and appreciation for the small wonders of life. Her talents in sewing, crocheting, and needlework were well known among her friends and family, who treasured the many handcrafted gifts she lovingly created. These hobbies were not mere pastimes but expressions of her creativity and care, leaving behind a legacy woven with love and artistry.

Elsie is survived by her devoted husband, Archie Barnes, who shared several years of companionship and love with her. Her children, Rhonda and Carl Thompson, Derk and Birdie Jones, Shawna and Frank Oliviera, and Stephen and Pita Jones, carry forward her values and warmth. She was also a proud grandmother to Jeremiah Thompson, Fawn Clarke, Autumn Quintana, Joshua Thompson, Nettie Saverance, Allen Jones, Casey Oliviera, Ava Mercado, and EJ Mercado; also a great-grandmother to 17 and great-great-grandmother to three. The bonds she nurtured with her family were a cornerstone of her life, and she took immense pride in watching her family grow and flourish.

Elsie was preceded in death by her mother and father, three sisters, and her first and second husbands, Clarence P. Jones and Bob Thomson, respectively. The memories of those she loved and who loved her remain close to her family’s hearts.

Her passing marks the end of a life well-lived, a woman who embraced her passions and family with unwavering love and grace. Elsie’s gentle nature, her artistry, and the quiet strength she embodied will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of love and creativity that will continue to inspire her family and friends.

A life that touched so many will not be forgotten, and those who loved Elsie will carry her memory with them always.