On Monday, June 5, 2023, Beth Burchenal Jones, age 89, died in her home on Clearwater Beach with her daughter, granddaughter and her dogs by her side.
She leaves behind a loving family and a great many dear friends. She was the daughter of Mary Rogan Burchenal and William Burchenal.
Beth’s love of animals, horses in particular, began at very early age. Going to the barn on her family’s farm and riding her big gray mare was the beginning of it all. Her love grew for animals and the outdoors when she was riding for the Frontier Nursing Service (Nurses on Horseback) in the hills of Kentucky.
From there it grew exponentially when her daughter caught the bug. Beth trekked all over the Midwest going to shows big and small to support all the exhibitors and friends. Beth literally took the reins when she began showing herself. She fell in love with Hackney ponies, small and spunky, just like her. She was still showing her beloved ponies until the fall of 2021.
Knowing she wanted to give back to her favorite things, animals, she made it possible for young people to show ponies, founded an animal rescue, made it possible for young people to show ponies gave opportunities to many to further their veterinary education, and so much more. As a dear friend said “Beth loved animals more than people.”
Beth was preceded in death by her two brothers, William and Ralph Burchenal and her husband Don Jones.
She is survived by her daughter Catherine J Bournstein, her grandchildren Daniel, Mary-Elizabeth Josephine (MJ) and Robert, her dear sister-in-laws Ann and Toone, and a loving extended family that includes many nieces, nephews, dear friends who she considered family.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Barely Used Pets, 844 Jackson Hill Rd. Urbana OH 43078 or a Good Samaritan Fund at your local veterinarian’s office. www.nationalcremation.com.
