Kenneth Ray “Red Rock” Jones, 79, was born on July 11, 1946, in Spokane, Washington, to Mary Jane LaRoque Bolling and Thomas Jones, both deceased. After a valiant two-year battle with kidney and bladder cancer, he was called home by the Creator on August 10, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
Around the age of five, Ken’s family settled in Detroit, where he grew up in the 7 Mile and Evergreen area. He was a proud graduate of Henry Ford High School, Class of 1964, where he excelled in sports, especially baseball and football, earning the nickname “Number 32.” His athletic talent earned him a football scholarship to the University of Buffalo, but his time there was cut short by a knee injury.
Returning to Detroit, Ken pursued his entrepreneurial ambitions. Over the years, he built successful small businesses in trucking, manufacturing, and MRO repair, serving the automotive industry. In 1981 he was certified as an MBE by the Michigan Minority Business Development Council as a Native American business enterprise and for many years was a member of MMBDC’s Board of Directors, as well as many other committees. In the mid 1990’s Ken became one of the founding members of the Native American Business Alliance.
Proud of his Native American heritage, Ken was an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians in Belcourt, North Dakota. His Native name, “Red Rock,” reflected his spiritual strength and his deep appreciation for the Creator’s beautiful bounty – from the majestic red rocks of Sedona to the rugged beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Lake Superior, and its forests.
Throughout his career, Ken served on numerous boards and committees, always committed to lifting others and advancing opportunities for Native people. His proudest public service came in 1984, when Governor James Blanchard appointed him to the Michigan Commission of Indian Affairs, where he served with dedication until 1991.
Ken never met a stranger and took the time to truly listen to everyone he encountered, making each person feel valued and appreciated. Friends will tell you he was the life of every gathering, bringing laughter wherever he went. A lover of music from the ’60s and ’70s, he often performed his own spirited interpretations of his favorites – especially Elvis or one of the Motown greats. In his head, he was Elvis, and those who knew him wouldn’t argue.
Ken also loved sports, especially his Detroit Tigers, Lions, and Red Wings. On game days, you could always find him watching – whether live or on TV – enthusiastically shouting his advice and counsel on the most recent play.
Ken was a good and loyal friend, but his greatest passion was his family. In 1992, he married the love of his life, Mary Carmen Muñoz, and never took offense at being affectionately referred to as “Mr. Muñoz.” He is survived by his five children – the pride of his life – Kenny Ray (Jeanette), Kristopher Ray (Daniela Wotke), Kirk Ray (Lindsey), Maria Alejandra Jones, and KodyRay Geronimo Jones; and his adored grandchildren, Trey Politte and Axel Wotke Jones. He is also survived by his sister, Florence Bowman (Doug); nephew, Eric Bowman (Sarah); nieces, Alexis Sirrakos (George), Lucy Muñoz Crites, Alisa Thornberry (Connor), and Sophia Crites.
Ken is predeceased by his stepfather, George Bolling; and his siblings, Thomas Jones, Geraldine Jones, and Vernon “Skip” Bolling.
Services will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Ste. Anne de Detroit Catholic Church. A memorial gathering in the church vestibule will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Ken requested that donations be made to American Indian Health and Family Services (www.aihfs.org) or LA SED (www.lasedinc.org).
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