In September 1941, Curt was called to serve as a doctor in the army. Mary Ellen became increasingly anxious, fearing separation from her husband. She worried about the dangers Curt might face, especially as the world was on the brink of war. After his departure, Mary Ellen and their son moved in with her parents, waiting for his safe return.
Curt was tragically killed in action during the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in December 1941. He was treating members of the US Army when the attack occurred. Mary Ellen received the devastating news of his death, and she was left to grieve the loss of her husband. This marked a profound turning point in her life.
Four years later, in October 1945, Mary Ellen received surprising news. A woman who claimed to know Curt revealed that he was still alive and living in Florida. Mary Ellen investigated the claim, and much to her, it was true. She traveled to Florida and reunited with Curt, only to realize that their relationship could never be what it once was. The reunion ultimately led to their divorce.
After her divorce from Curt, Mary Ellen remarried Arlington Westcott “Jonesy” Jones. They had two children, Clay Matthew Jones and Katie Jones. Despite her early desire to leave Walton’s Mountain, Mary Ellen grew into a mature, responsible individual. She became a voice of reason among her siblings, showing great care and maturity in her later years.
