Alex Chase Jones

Alex Chase Jones, 73, of Monticello, passed away peacefully on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, at University Hospitals in Iowa City, after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer.

      Alex was born Dec. 14, 1951, in Independence, Iowa, the daughter of H.M. “Johnny” and Evelyn (Moulton) Jones. She graduated from Monticello Community Schools with the Class of 1970. She was united in marriage with Paul Ponder on Sept. 1, 1973. Even after their divorce, they remained friendly and connected through a shared love for their children and grandchildren. 

      Alex spent many years after high school working alongside her family at  Publishers Idea Exchange/Monticello Express. Later in life, she returned to the University of Iowa, earning her degree in psychology – a reflection of her lifelong curiosity and compassion for others. For the past 30 years, Alex poured her heart into her work as a family therapist, helping countless individuals and families through life’s hardest moments with empathy, honesty, and a touch of her trademark wit.

      Alex was deeply thoughtful and had a rich inner life. She loved tracing her family’s roots through genealogy, tending her garden, and spending quiet moments reading or writing. Music filled her home, and her greatest joy came from time spent with her children, grandchildren, and dear friends.

      Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Travis (Robyn) Ponder and Kinsey (P.J.) McInerney; her beloved grandchildren, Lydia McInerney, Dylan Ponder, Ethan Ponder, and Lucy McInerney; her siblings, Michael, Kim, and Beth Jones; her beloved dog Bodhi and cat Pixie; as well as many family and friends both here and abroad.

      She was preceded in death and welcomed on their next adventure by her dearest friend Francie Head.

      Alex was a straight shooter with a big heart – never afraid to speak her mind, but always guided by love. She had a wonderful orneriness about her that made those around her laugh and think in equal measure. Her family and friends will miss her deep conversations, her wisdom, and her ability to tell the truth in the most caring way and will take comfort knowing that her wisdom, laughter, and love will continue to echo through their lives and stories for years to come.

      A Celebration of Life will take place from 1 to 2:30 p.m., followed by an open house and time of fellowship until 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 at the Youth Development Center in Monticello. Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello, has taken Alex and her family into their care.

      In lieu of gifts or flowers, Alex’s wishes were to send “letters, memories, and testimonials (or even hate mail) from those who knew me.” Those messages can be sent to rememberalexjones@gmail.com.