Lacy Ruth Van Zandt

May 21, 1985 — July 27, 2023

Lacy Ruth Van Zandt of Bertram, Texas, died too young on July 27, 2023. She was 38 years old, born on May 21, 1985 in Giddings, Texas.

Barely five feet tall, Lacy left a gigantic, benevolent footprint on the world, with her 1000-watt smile, and the kindest heart a human being has ever possessed. Her heart would literally hurt if she saw a stranger in distress. Boundlessly generous, she spent her money almost exclusively on others. Lacy saved scores of lives as a nurse, and bright-ened thousands more with her glowing presence.

Lacy had an astounding ca-pacity for love. To be on the receiving end of Lacy’s love was the most precious gift imaginable, humbling and awe-inspiring.

Lacy faced daunting physical challenges throughout her life, from being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age two to epilepsy so severe that part of her brain was removed. She was left short-term memory impairment and partial blindness in one eye. Lacy persevered with grace and good humor. Not only did she survive, she thrived.

In 2010 Lacy uprooted from Lubbock to Kingsland, Texas to take care of her Nanny, who suffered from Lewy Body Dementia. Lacy’s dedication to her grandmother inspired all who beheld it. Nanny passed away in 2022 and they are reunited again in heaven.

Lacy had a special affinity for the elderly. She treasured their beauty and wisdom that so many of us forget. If there were just one lesson to be tak-en from Lacy’s life, it would be to honor the aged. If you see someone in need of a hug, give it to them.

Lacy met the love of her life, Jay Jones, in 2011. Opposites in many respects, they clicked from day one, and made each other as happy as they’d had ever been. Mr. Jones was a very lucky man.

On May 18, 2020 Lacy gave birth to her beloved Jesse, her miracle baby, after a very difficult pregnancy and delivery at the height of the Covid outbreak. Jesse spent 22 days in the NICU. Lacy was a born mother, possessed with endless patience and understanding. To witness Lacy giving Jesse a bath was to witness magic...the joy and laughter erupting from both marking the happiest event on the planet.

Lacy was a true believer, her faith total and unwavering; her spirituality an inspiration to others.

Lacy is survived by her son, Jesse Clyde Jones, Jay Jones, mother Terri Van Zandt and Keith Elmore, aunt DeAnne and husband Willie Bernhard, grandfather Bill Griffin, uncle Verlon Van Zandt, sister Zana Cannon and husband Sam, sister Christi Bishop and husband Zach, brother Cody Abbey and wife Ashley, nieces Shel-bie Abbey, Kelsi Copeland and husband Jacob, Marley and Evee Cannon, nephews Ari Gonzales, Brody, Bailey, and Greyson Abbey, and Odin and Vincent Cannon, great nephew Carlisle Copeland, great niece Gaia Copeland, sisters-in-law Junie Jones and Paula Padilla and brother in-law Carey Jones.

Among Lacy’s hundreds of friends, first and foremost was Dee Smith. Dee and her fami-ly were always close to Lacy’s heart.

Lacy’s funeral was held on Monday, August 7 at Crestridge Funeral Home in Levelland, Texas. She will be bur-ied in Sundown. A visitation was held on Sunday, August 6 at Crestridge. The Memorial will be held at 4pm, August 17 at the Hill Country Hall, 15675 Hwy. 29, Buchanan Dam, TX 78609.