Rachel Lyn (LaFollette) Jones

Rachel L. (LaFollette) Jones, 49, of Plainville, died February 17, 2026 surrounded by friends and family from complications related to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Rachel was born June 22, 1976 in Nashville, TN, the daughter of Hugh and Karen (Keller) LaFollette. Rachel spent most of her youth in Johnson City, TN but enjoyed her summers in Maine with her adoring grandfather. She was shaped by a year abroad in Scotland during 5th grade expanding her lifelong curiosity, independence, and love for learning. She graduated from Science Hill High School, TN in 1994. Following high school, she attended Colby College in Waterville, ME where she earned her Bachelor’s of Arts in Economics, graduating in 1998. She began work with Amica Insurance and was a loyal employee working with the company for 27 years. While working full time, she continued her education working toward her doctorate in Leadership Studies through Gonzaga University.

Rachel met the love of her life, Ron, in October 2001 through a bit of serendipity and the help of close friends. Ron’s best friend from high school, Rob, was dating Rachel’s best friend from high school, Janis. During a visit to Milwaukee, Rob and Janis introduced Rachel and Ron. What started as a chance encounter became a lifelong adventure for Rachel and Ron. In 2004, they were married at a destination wedding in Jamaica. They enjoyed 22 years of marriage together including a return trip to Jamaica in 2024 for a vow renewal. Rachel was a dedicated mother to Keegan and Makenna attending every band performance or dance competition.

She was a lover of all things Disney– planning countless trips there through the years. She was a loyal friend, always organizing the next brunch or drinks on the front porch. She was a fierce defender of good grits and biscuits having to travel south regularly to get them done right. She was a quiet presence at events, but always still part of the group and quick with her dry humor to make everyone laugh. Throughout her life, Rachel had an enduring love for animals. In her youth, she championed animal rights, and as an adult her dogs were truly a part of her family.

Rachel was also a tireless advocate for ALS TDI who funds research to find treatments and a cure for ALS. Having lost her grandmother, uncle, mother and brother to ALS, this was a cause that was very important to her. She participated in 7 multi-day bike rides to raise money for ALS TDI even when she was battling the effects of ALS herself.

Rachel made deep and lasting friendships throughout her life leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all those she touched.

Rachel is predeceased by her mother, Karen, of Nashville, TN, her brother Tim LaFollette of Greensboro, NC and her father in law Robert Jones of New Prague, MN. Surviving is her father, Hugh, of Knoxville, TN, her mother in law Carol Jones of New Prague, MN, her sister and brother in law Trevor and Cathy Busch of Prior Lake, MN, her nephew Carter Busch of Franklin, WI, her nephew Cooper Busch of Prior Lake, MN, and her beloved husband, Ron, and cherished children, Keegan Jones and Makenna Jones, all of Plainville, MA.

A reception will be held in the spring to respectfully honor and commemorate the life of Rachel.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Rachel's honor to ALS TDI, 480 Arsenal Street, Suite 201 Watertown, MA 02472 or via https://www.als.net

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