Ernest E. "Pete" Jones, 86, of Westborough, formerly of Ashland, died Friday, May 10, 2013, surrounded by his loving family after a period of declining health. He was born in Natick on March 23, 1927, the son of the late Frank P. Jones and Rebecca (Towne) Jones. He was a long time resident of Ashland, until he moved to Westborough in 2006. Ernie was a United States Army veteran, spending time in Berlin after the war as part of the occupying forces. When assigned by the Army to Washington DC, he met and married the love of his life, Avis Oetman of Wayland, Michigan. They were selected by local Washington DC radio station WOOK as the "Ideal Couple". After the Army he was a truck driver and member of the Teamsters Union Local 170 for 30 years. Ernie enjoyed camping with his family and was a founder of Boy Scout Troop 23 in Ashland. Upon retiring, he and his devoted wife Avis would spend time traveling and living in Florida as 'Snowbirds' until her illness prevented travel. During retirement he enjoyed working part-time at Roberts Company in Framingham. He was also a great craftsman and enjoyed building dollhouses, golf and gardening. Most of all, Ernie was a devoted father and grandfather and he cherished the time he spent with his family as much as they cherished their time with him. Ernie is survived by two sons, Frank and his wife Donna of Westborough and Ernest Jr. and his wife Diane of North Grafton. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Greg, Jill, and Kim of Westborough, Keith and Zachary of North Grafton. He is also survived by four brothers: Samuel, Farnum, Robert and Richard, and one sister, Barbara Cerutti. Ernie was a loving and devoted caregiver to his wife, Avis, who preceded him in death in 2007. He was also predeceased by two brothers, Frances and Thomas. Ernie left a lasting impression on all who knew him with his outgoing personality, tremendous sense of humor, kindness and generosity. He was much loved and will be greatly missed. A Memorial Service celebrating his life will be held on Thursday, May 16, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main St, Ashland with interment to follow at Wildwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation (www.alzfdn.org 866-232-8484) in loving memory of his wife, Avis.