Rita was born to Eugene Deb Jones and Lehla Jean Jones on October 5th, 1939, in Alice, Texas. Growing up she participated in cheer, basketball, and numerous other activities until she graduated from C.E. King High School in 1958. She went on to spend most of her working years at National Oilwell where she enjoyed working and made many lifelong friends. While working at National Oilwell she graduated from San Jacinto College with her associate's degree. Upon retirement she kept busy by substitute teaching in the Clear Creek School District as well as working at League City Florist with her sister-in-law Diane.
Rita loved life and always shared her joy with others wherever she went. She loved to stay busy and spend time with people she loved. She loved to sew, scrapbook, and attend stamp club. She also enjoyed going to scrapbook conventions and on scrapbook cruises. She was a fan of Elvis and anytime music came on you could find her dancing. She truly was the life of the party and a beloved sister, mother, grandmother, and friend.
Rita is preceded in death by her parents Lehla Jean McCrary and Eugene Deb Jones; brother, John Granger Junior; both her children, Kenneth Ray Dees and Roxana Jean Whitehead; sister-in-law, Diane Dees; and best friend, Dorothy Havard.
Rita is survived by her granddaughter, Chelsea Whitehead; her sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Richard Cline; her sister and brother-in-law, Pat Vanover and Jim Branham; brother-in-law, John Allen Dees; and many other beloved family members and friends.
Rita’s family would like to thank the Delaney at South Shore Harbor for the wonderful care that she received while living there from 2018 until her passing. During her time in both assisted living and memory care, she encountered so many wonderful people that her family will forever be thankful for. They provided her with more opportunities to thrive in her years battling dementia than her family could have imagined.
Rita’s family would also like to extend their appreciation to the staff at Magnolia Hospice for taking such great care of Rita in her final months as well as getting to know her over the years at the Delaney. She truly had the best, most compassionate village of people in her court cheering her on to the finish line in this life.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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