Natalie Elaine (Garibay) Jones

Natalie Elaine (Garibay) Jones, age 61, of Evansville, IN, passed away peacefully in her sleep at 11:48 a.m. on Monday, January 16, 2023, at St. Vincent Hospital – Evansville.

Natalie was born February 28, 1961, in West Covina, CA, to Emilio and Geraldine (Brown) Garibay.  Natalie graduated from F.J. Reitz High School in 1979. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Murray State University in 1983 and her Master’s Degree in Education from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2000.  She had a passion for teaching and learning.

Natalie dedicated 37 years of her life as an educator.   She touched many students’ lives and took great joy in maintaining contact with those students as they became adults. Natalie began her teaching career in Dawson Springs, Kentucky. After moving back to Evansville, she continued her career at St. Joe in the County. She was hired at Oak Hill Middle School by Ken Wempe, someone who later became a dear friend. Natalie retired from North Junior High in January of 2020. During her years in EVSC, Natalie taught special education and sixth grade art.  She strived to build future leaders through her work as Student Council Sponsor at Oak Hill and North Junior High.

"Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same.” This describes the person that Natalie Jones was to so many people. Anyone who met Natalie will never forget her! Between her Egyptian Plum hair and her vibrant personality, she never met a stranger. She was truly gifted in connecting with people and building strong relationships. She was the wind beneath the wings of many who looked to her as an inspiration and the hero to so many kids who needed her encouragement and love.

Those who knew her well, knew that Natalie had many mountains to climb over the past 61 years. Her health gave her many challenges, but she fought each battle giving it all she had over the course of her lifetime. Natalie faced her battles with grace and grit knowing that she had to give it her all. Not only did she have that kind of spirit, but she took the responsibility of wanting to always be that model for others facing a challenge. Natalie chose to always be that cheerleader for everyone needing to overcome obstacles or just be reminded that anything is possible as long as you put your mind to it.  It was all about keeping that positive attitude and reminding oneself that was half of the battle.  She had most recently shared excitement walking several steps again without her cane and began making arrangements for driving lessons after having an amputation three years ago as a result of her diabetes.

Natalie always went the extra mile in everything.  Her wish was to help others in any way that she could while also making the experience one that was always remembered by those whose lives were touched. Over the course of Natalie’s life, she impacted the lives of many through the following: PTSA leadership roles, Culver Elementary Volunteer, Hangers, Co-Chair of numerous Wish Upon a Star Auctions, and many more philanthropic organizations.

Natalie lived life to its fullest.  She was always trying to make others smile or laugh and just have fun.  She loved to travel, but especially loved New York. She led 16 student trips to Washington D.C. and New York. She also assisted her husband in leading trips to New York with the Jones.  She wanted to be a part of making memories that would last a lifetime.

Natalie’s faith journey began at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and then later continued at Bethlehem United Church of Christ where she found many friends in Jesus.

Natalie is survived by her beloved husband of 38 years, Barry Jones; twin children, Bailey Grace Jones and Brody Jones (fiancé, Alexandra Bullington); brothers, Gary Garibay (Rena), Bill Garibay, Brent Garibay (Betsy), Bryant Garibay (Morgan); adopted mom, Mary Ann Eickhoff; and Pam and Lino Wiseman were like an extended family filling a parental role over the past few years; and fur babies, Coco Chanel and Charlie Brown.

Natalie is preceded in death by her parents, Emilio and Geraldine Garibay; and aunt, Grace Beaulieu.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 21, 2023, at Bethlehem United Church of Christ, 6400 Oak Hill Road, Evansville, with Reverend Emily Slade officiating. Burial will be Private.

Friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Friday, January 20, 2023, at Boone Funeral Home East Chapel – A Family Tradition Funeral Home, 5330 Washington Avenue, Evansville, and from 9:00 a.m. until service time, Saturday, January 21, 2023, at Bethlehem United Church of Christ.

The family would like to say a special thank you to those whose compassionate care for Natalie meant so much.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests honoring Natalie’s legacy through a donation to: Culver Family Early Learning Center, Attn: Davita Johnson, School Manager, at 1301 Judson Street, Evansville, IN 47713 or North High School with Natalie Jones Scholarship Fund written in the memo of the check.

Boone Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Natalie Jones. Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net

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