RoseMarie (Bunter) Jones, 82, was called into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, July 13, 2025 at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.
Following an unfortunate fall in early June, she suffered a broken vertebrae, but other underlying health conditions ultimately lead to her passing.
RoseMarie was born in Burbank, California, on Feb. 9, 1943 to immigrants Josef Bunter and Olga (née Jeske) Bunter, and was the third of four daughters.
Upon graduation from high school, RoseMarie attended Santa Barbara City College, where she met her future husband Dennis M. Jones, who had recently returned to Santa Barbara following his service in the United States Air Force.
They were married on Dec. 29, 1962 at Christ Lutheran in Burbank, and bought their first home in Goleta in July 1964 where they lived until her death.
RoseMarie is survived by her husband of 62½ years Dennis; and their children Donna (Scott) Voigt of Goleta, and D. Martin “Marty” Jones of Santa Barbara; and three grandchildren Hillary Voigt, Kevin (Ciarra) Voigt, and Nathan (Amanda) Voigt. She is predeceased by her sisters Beverly Osness, Sylvia Byers, and Suzanne Andrews.
One of RoseMarie’s greatest joys in life was spending time with her grandchildren, and she was blessed to have them living in Goleta during their formative years.
She especially loved going to lunch and getting a pedicure with her granddaughter, and attending her grandsons’ Little League games and robotics competitions. She would do just about anything to spend time with them and show her support for their activities.
Her grandson Kevin’s wedding in April was an absolute highlight for her during this most recent time of her declining health.
As a devout and faithful Christian, RoseMarie was an active member of Emanuel Lutheran Church for over 63 years. It was like a second home for both her and Dennis.
She participated in many of Emanuel’s LWML (Lutheran Women’s Missionary League) activities and held a number of positions over the years. RoseMarie was also instrumental in bringing the Parish Nurse program to Emanuel. She helped with Vacation Bible School, attended bible classes regularly, and played in the Bell Choir. And before her recent accident, she absolutely loved coming to “Game Day.’’
Outside of church, RoseMarie also loved to sew. Whether it was new clothes for herself, Halloween costumes and matching Christmas pajamas for the grandkids, or clothes for American Girl dolls, she was an excellent seamstress.
Being an informed voter was also very important to RoseMarie. She prided herself in understanding political issues and knowing where the candidates stood on matters of importance to her.
She was involved with various Republican Women’s clubs over the years. Most recently she was an active member of RITA (Research, Investigate and Take Action).
Her presence in our daily lives will be dearly missed. RoseMarie’s Celebration of Life service will be at 10:30 a.m Monday, Aug, 25 at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 3721 Modoc Road, Santa Barbara.
Donations may be made in her name to the Emanuel Lutheran Church Memorial Fund.