Ruth Jones has done everything

WASHINGTON — Ruth Jones is currently juggles multiple jobs: a store manager at Lyons Appliance and Repair in Washington, a bookkeeper for consultant contracting service Business Assist, co-owner of a sixplex under a business called EJ’s Enterprises, a bookkeeper for Eicher Design Build LLC, and a movie booker for a two-screen cinema in Lake Mills, Iowa.

Her job history is even more diverse: a former co-owner of the Lake Mills Graphic newspaper, a job with the Iowa EMS Association, a gig as a certified esthetician, and a stint at Archer Appliances in Washington are among many, many others.

“I can’t just do one thing, I have to be juggling,” she said. “I don’t know if it’s my ADD, it’s just me, it’s just who I am. I don’t know how to be anything different.”

In fact, Jones said it was hard for her to step away from it all.

“My brain is always thinking,” she said. “How can I make this better, how can I make this easier? How can I work less and get more? How can I save some money and get more features? … my downtime is my head going crazy. I cannot shut my head off.”

It can be a lot of stress, and Jones said even she sometimes faced days where her responsibilities were overwhelming. Even so, she has no plans to pace herself.

“I’m only 60, I have another 10, 20 years before I have to step down, as long as I keep healthy,” she said. “I thrive on this chaos. That’s how I find enjoyment. That’s my whole reason to get up in the morning. I love what I do, I can’t imagine not having my total chaos going on every day.”

Jones moved to Washington with her husband in 2004. After his death in 2007, her tendency to hop between careers slowed down.

“I actually found myself, I think, after his death, but it took me years,” she said. “I went back to school, became an esthetician … the people I had in my life at that time were very supportive, and I was able to find me, and be the person I am now over the last 15 years.”

She said she was more than happy with the community she had settled down in.

“Washington’s a wonderful town and it’s really healed me over the years,” Jones said. “I could be anywhere, and I choose to stay here.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com