Mary Rita Nelson Jones, age 65, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, November 12, 2025, in Charleston, Missouri.

Born November 27, 1959, in Cairo, IL, to the late Garland Wayne Nelson and Kitty Gale Tousky Nelson, she grew up in Charleston and was a 1978 graduate of Charleston High School.  For a number of years, she lived in the Matthews area.  Mary was employed with the Scott County Recorder's office in Benton for many years until her retirement.

In 1985, she married Stanley Earl Jones, who survives.

Also surviving are her sisters, Tammy Leigh Marshall of Springfield, MO and Margaret (Donnie) McDowell of Charleston; her nieces, Nicole (Brandon) Gregory, Kimberly (Hunter) Hutcheson, Caitlin (Zach) Bolden, Morgan (Brad) Odell and Ashley Marshall (Mike); as well as several great nieces, great nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Terry Lynn Sprinkles.

Private burial will be held.

McMikle Funeral Home of Charleston is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.