Clarita Jones, 89, passed away at Seven Lakes Memory Care in Loveland, Colorado, on Tuesday, April 28th. Clarita “Rita” Jeanne Jones was born on February 20, 1937, in Oak Park, Illinois, to Reverend E. Harvey Clark and Claire Madelyn Clark.

Clarita, along with her sister, Joyce, and brother, Harvey, grew up in Oak Park and Park Ridge, Illinois, as well as Omaha and Grand Island, Nebraska. She graduated from Grand Island Senior High School in 1955 and received her bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Nebraska in 1959.

Following college, she taught high school home economics in Hinsdale, Illinois. Clarita married Jaret E. Jones on August 26, 1961, at her father’s church, St. Paul’s Lutheran, in Grand Island, Nebraska.

Clarita, or “Reet,” as Jerry fondly called her, and Jerry raised their three children—Deborah Anne, David Clark, and Elizabeth Clarita—in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Rita taught elementary education for 23 years, primarily at Pioneer Park Elementary School. She had a passion for education and especially enjoyed teaching her kindergarten students.

In 2005, Clarita retired to Estes Park, Colorado, where she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.

Clarita is survived by her husband of 64 years, Jaret; her children, Deb (Cory) Blackman, David, and Beth (Lyle); three grandchildren, Luke (Alli), Chelsea (Travis), and Brittany (AJ); three great-granddaughters, Aurora Claire, Eden Diane, Kennedy Marie and another great grandbaby due in October.

Rita was dearly loved by community members, students, friends, sorority sisters of Delta Gamma, and family. Her light and love will live on in those who knew her.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, May 29, at 1:00 p.m. at Schrader Funeral Home, 2222 Russell Ave., Cheyenne, WY, with a reception to follow.

in lieu of flowers please donate to the Alzheimer Association at alz.org or 1800-272-3900