Ruth Ann Jones, co-founder of NC Tool Co., passed away Oct. 10, 2026. She was 91.

The matriarch of the Jones horseshoeing family had many passions. Chief among them was her family, particularly her grandchildren. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and extensively researched her family’s genealogy to qualify for membership.

Ruth Ann and her husband Donald, a member of the International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame, founded the North Carolina School of Horseshoeing in 1976. Graduating students had difficulty finding the equipment necessary to begin their careers. Out of that necessity, the Jones’ started NC Tool Co. in Pleasant Garden. The company developed the NC line of anvils with special features for shaping shoes. The gas-fired forge that became the NC Whisper Forge soon followed and received its patent in 1981.

Ruth Ann was heavily involved in the daily operations of the company until 1993, when she welcomed her first grandchild. She spent most of her time caring for them during the day.

Ruth Ann’s passing comes just 9 days after the death of her son Mitchell Jones, who followed in his father’s footsteps as a farrier for 40 years.

Visitation will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, at New Covenant Church, 4708 Alliance Church Rd., Pleasant Garden, N.C., followed by a memorial service at 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either New Covenant Church (see address above) or Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, N.C. 28607.