The last remaining founder of High River's iconic Hitchin' Post passed away on the weekend.

Maria Jones passed away peacefully October 8, 2016 at the High River Hospital at the age of 78 years.

Maria was born October 2, 1938 in Nipawin Saskatchewan and married Robert Jones on June 29, 1962.

Together they opened the Hitchin’ Post in 1969.

Her husband Robert Jones passed away in 2007.

For many in High River, even before the days of social media, everyone knew when spring had really arrived as word spread around the town as soon as the Hitchin' Post opened up, serving its Hitchin' Post Burgers, Fries, rings and Milkshakes.

Friends have been leaving tributes and flowers at the drive thru the last few days.