Sonia Maria Jones

Sonia Maria Echevarria Jones, 75, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2026, surrounded by her loving family and close friends.

Born June 26, 1950, in San Sebastian, Puerto Rico, Sonia grew up cherishing her island heritage, a pride she carried throughout her life. While attending the University of Puerto Rico, she met and married Rodger Dale Jones, Sr., who was serving in the U.S. Navy in Puerto Rico. As a devoted military spouse for more than 21 years, she provided a stable, loving home for their children, Tina and Rodger Jr., through frequent moves and deployments. The family lived in Florida, Puerto Rico, Washington, D.C., the Philippines, Texas, and Japan. After her husband’s retirement from the U. S. Navy in 1984, the family settled in San Angelo, Texas then moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico in 1988.

Sonia was warm, welcoming, and kind to everyone she met. She was selfless, always eager to help those in need, and loved her family fiercely. A loyal friend and hardworking woman for many years in the retail and mortgage industry, she balanced a full-time career while making sure she came home to prepare home-cooked dinners for her family nearly every night. But above all, Sonia treasured time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Sonia was a lifelong member of the Catholic church and deeply devoted to her faith. She proudly and humbly served her community and the church at Our Lady of Health Catholic Church. She served in many capacities and ministries including serving as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion providing communion to the sick and elderly; a Sacristan setting up the altar for Mass and memorial services; a Communion Steward; and a member of the beloved Emaus group where she assisted and provided support for Emaus Retreats often as a Guardian of the Blessed Sacrament. She truly felt this was her calling from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

She is survived by her daughter, Tina Strain and husband Jon; son, Rodger Jones Jr. and wife Stephanie; sister, Magda Echevarria; brother, Manuel Echevarria, Jr. and wife Ruth; grandchildren Rachel Testa, David Testa, Austin Jones, Marissa Heller, Lydia Jones, Drew Jones, great-grandchildren Bryce, Cody, and Miller. Sonia is also survived by many nieces and nephews and by step grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom she adored.

Sonia was preceded in death by her parents, Manuel Echevarria, Sr., and Lydia Mendez Echevarria, as well as her husband of more than 48 years, Rodger Jones, Sr.

A Memorial Service will be held in Sonia’s honor at Our Lady of Health Catholic Church located at 1178 N. Mesquite St., in Las Cruces, New Mexico on February 17, 2026. A Rosary will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by Mass at 10:30 a.m. Sonia’s final resting place will be at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest with the love of her life, Rodger Sr.

In accordance with her wishes, flowers are welcome; however, donations to Mesilla Valley Hospice, 299 Montana Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88005, in her honor are preferred.