Veterans have to sign their intent to use the G.I. bill over to their dependents before they pass away in order for their children to utilize these funds for a college education. Ryan Jones served in the United States Marine Corps in active combat during one of the deadliest pushes of the Iraq war, the invasion of Fallujah. Ryan struggled with depression and substance abuse, as he self medicated overseas in hopes to feel better about the things that had to be done. When Ryan returned home, he was eager to start a family. After meeting Lori and falling in love with her and her children, they agreed to have one more. Lexy Jones was born to Lori Bancke and Ryan Jones in April 2007.

Ryan struggled with PTSD most of his adult life and had a hard time staying out of trouble but eventually landed a great job and was back on track. In 2016, when Lexy was only nine years old, she was heartbroken with the news that her hero had passed away. The family was devastated and still holds lots of unanswered questions about his sudden and unexplained death.

Lexy is all grown up now, beautiful, brilliant, humble and kind. She has been accepted to the University of Oregon where she will study early childhood education with the dream of becoming a teacher. Lexy served as the vice secretary of the national honor Society as well as the captain of her high school cheer team. This young lady also holds letters of recommendation from former city mayor Mike Clarke, head Cheer Coach Sally Dillon, and AP human geography teacher Nicholas Matteen, where they describe her as an ambitious leader and a great value to our community. Lexy earned a cumulative GPA of 3.7 and was awarded a handful of community scholarships totaling $5500. She will still need to raise a significate amount of funds to cover all the costs to attend UofO this year.

We are hoping to reach family, friends and caring strangers with a passion for education who might be able and willing to donate towards Lexy’s remaining first year fees. We are excited to announce that she is currently enrolled and starts classes on September 29th, 2025. If you feel compelled to help, please share or donate, big or small every little bit counts. We appreciate you all, thank you so much!

Venmo QR code in photos if preferred method of payment.