Rita Jones
1953 - 2024 | Sheffield
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Rita Jones (née Derbyshire). Rita passed away surrounded by her loving family at her daughter’s home on August 23, 2024, after a brave fight with Corticobasal Degeneration and Vascular Dementia. The world has lost a true lady, much loved by all who knew her. Rita leaves behind her children, Kevin and Marie, her son-in-law Andrew, grandchildren Christopher, James, Harry, Sophie, and Lucy, and her great-granddaughter Holly, who will all miss her dearly. Rita was born in St. Helens to Harry and Margaret. She had a happy childhood alongside her two sisters, Jean, Yvonne, and three brothers, Raymond, Leslie, and Stephen. Rita was often found refereeing her siblings’ many escapades, showcasing her caring and supportive nature from a young age. Family was always at the centre of Rita’s life. She frequently visited her Aunty Joan and Uncle Billy, who lived just two roads away, and travelled further to see her Aunty Rita. Rita also made a trip to Northern Ireland to visit her Aunty Betty. She maintained a lifelong friendship with Sheila, demonstrating her loyalty and commitment to those she loved. Rita had a strong work ethic. She started working at Lennons on Saturdays while still in school and moved to Todd Steels after finishing school in 1969. She met Stuart while on holiday in Wales, who was a rugby player ironically, also from St Helens, and they married on March 23, 1970. After having her children, Kevin and Marie, Rita returned to work at Ladbrokes, where she remained until her retirement, covering various shops in the region, and making many friends of her colleagues. Rita enjoyed traveling and experienced the usual holiday destinations, but she also traveled to India before it was a popular destination. She spent time in Australia visiting Stuart’s family and enjoyed many summers with Stuart at their caravan in Wales. As her health declined, Rita moved to her daughter’s home, where her granddaughters Sophie and Lucy lovingly cared for their Nan, We kindly request that only family flowers be sent. Donations to St. Luke’s Hospice, where Rita received exceptional care from the community nurse Lucy, would be greatly appreciated. The hospice provided much-needed support to Rita and her family during this difficult time. We are incredibly grateful for the kind condolences, cards, and flowers we have received; they are much appreciated.
Details of a gathering to celebrate Rita’s life we welcome all family and friends to attend. Monday 23rd September will take place 12.00pm at St Thomas of Canterbury R/C Church, Denton's Green Lane St Helens WA10 6SE, Followed by a committal at 1.00pm at St Helens Crematorium Chapel. Following the service refreshments will be held at The Abbey Hotel, 1 Hard Lane WA10 6TL.
As Mum loved pink , you are welcome to wear something pink in her honour.
Photos
Thoughts and Donations
£20.00 + £5.00 GiftAid
Beautiful lady.
Donated by Catherine Parry - 06/10/2024
£285.00
Dear friends and family We are deeply grateful for the incredible generosity shown in memory of Mum. A total of £285 was donated at her funeral, a testament to the love and respect she inspired in so many. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your contributions and for being part of such a meaningful tribute on her day. With heartfelt thanks, Ann - Marie Andrew and family x
Donated by Ann - Marie Myets - 06/10/2024
In Loving Memory of Our Beautiful Mum No words can truly express how we feel. You gave Kevin and me an amazing childhood, always there for us no matter what. We gave you beautiful grandchildren and a great-granddaughter, and we will all miss you deeply. Thank you for being you, for believing in us, and for the values you and Dad instilled in us—they will always stay with us. The bond you shared with Andrew will never be forgotten. We love you. Now go and rest, and be with Dad Xxx
Donated by Ann - Marie Myers - 22/09/2024
£20.00 + £5.00 GiftAid
In loving memory of Rita . May you rest in eternal peace. Your lasting legacy and love will forever live on in your children , grandchildren and great grand child and everyone who had the pleasure of meeting you . You shall be forever remembered and loved for your bravery and the unique treasure that you are . Much love Keira , Richard Kirsty and Ross xxxx
Donated by Kirsty Ellis - 21/09/2024
At school we are all thinking of you and you’re family Ann-Marie xxx
Donated by Sarah McCole - 08/09/2024
£10.00
I only knew her for a short amount of time, and yet I saw how inspirational of woman she was to the family’s life. I hope she’s having a wonderful time in the afterlife.
Donated by Charlotte Maclachlan - 05/09/2024
The sweetest and most precious young lady, was inspiring to those all around her, a gorgeous lady who never failed to inspire those around her.
Donated by Anonymous - 05/09/2024
£54.60 + £13.65 GiftAid
Where do we start, this woman was the strongest person I know never let her illness get in the way of letting her family know that she loved them and cared for them always proving us with a smile everyday we will miss you nan and will forever be in our hearts xx
Donated by James Myers - 04/09/2024
£15.00
My nan was someone who you come across and you be instantly smiling. An amazing person who never aloud the dementia to beat her. Who made everyone around her feel loved. Who loved her teas and biscuits. I love u nan and miss u
Donated by Lucy Myers - 03/09/2024
£13.00
Was the best Nan I will miss her greatly. Always made me smile and always had a cheeky smile on her face when she was about to do something funny.
Donated by Sophie Myers - 03/09/2024
£21.60 + £5.40 GiftAid
Rita was a much loved colleague and Friend. She gave me my first break at Ladbrokes and taught me everything I knew about the bookmakers. She became a much loved friend and I have some wonderful memories. We had some great times together both inside and outside of work, We laugh together and cried together over the years and she will always hold a special place in my heart. In loving memory of a wonderful lady.
Donated by Janet Hamlett - 03/09/2024
I have met Rita a few times but sadly, I didn’t know her very well. She sounds like an incredible lady. I am a close friend of Rita’s daughter and the main reason I am making this donation is of course to help St.Luke’s continue doing the wonderful work they do, but also because her daughter worked so hard to give her mum the most dignified life she could, and right up to the very end when her mum breathed her last breath. Rita’s daughter is the most generous, loving and selfless person I have ever met. The love she has for her mum is beyond words and she is an example to all of us of how we must treat another human being and that is, with dignity, love, kindness and respect. Need I say more?
Donated by Suzanne Gomes - 03/09/2024
£21.60 + £5.40 GiftAid
RIP Rita ❤️❤️❤️
Donated by Jeanette Harrison - 03/09/2024