Rita Jones

BENKELMAN, Neb. — Rita Ann Jones, born on May 11, 1957, at Moorehouse Hospital in Benkelman, NE, to Edwin and Betty (Nelson) Deyle, passed away on April 13, 2026, at the age of 68, in Benkelman.

Growing up on a farm in Cheyenne County, Kansas, Rita attended school in McDonald, graduating in 1975. She pursued her passion for healthcare, graduating from nursing school in Colby, KS, and began her career at Dundy County Hospital in 1976. On December 4, 1976, Rita married Robert (Bobby) Paul Jones at Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman. Together, they were blessed with two children: Joshua Miles and Elizabeth Ann.

Rita dedicated nearly 50 years to healthcare, with almost 47 of those years at Dundy County Hospital (DCH). During her tenure at DCH, she served in various capacities, from nursing to ultimately becoming the CEO, a position she held for 22 years. After retiring from DCH, Rita spent the last three years of her career at the Hester Home in Benkelman, where she enjoyed returning to patient care as a nurse.

Community service was an integral part of Rita’s life, and she significantly shaped Dundy County through her involvement in numerous organizations. She served as president of the Southwest Public Health Board of Directors, vice chair of the Nebraska Hospital Association District III, Dundy County Hospital Foundation President, and was involved with the Dundy County Chamber and the Dundy County School Board. For many years, Rita and her husband also organized and advertised the parade for the Dundy County Fair.

Despite her many commitments, Rita found time for her passions, including golfing, fishing, and spending time with her family and in faith. She had a great love for her pets. An excellent cook and seamstress, she was known for hosting memorable gatherings and creating feasts for large groups, always making her guests feel special.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents; husband’s parents, Mason and Marilyn Jones of Benkelman; her brother-in-law, Don Harrison of Colby, KS; Niece, Kerry Micheal (Jones) of Chester, Virginia.

She is survived by her husband, Bobby Jones of Benkelman; son, Josh Jones and wife Nikki of McCook; daughter, Beth Grummert and husband Matt of Lincoln; grandson, Devon Grummert of Lincoln; granddaughters, Kalli Grummert of Lincoln and Sophia Jones of McCook; brother, Gary Deyle and wife, Mary of Oxford; and sister, Cathy Harrison of Colby, KS; brother-in-law, Mason Jones and wife Lynn of Chester, Virginia; 6 Nephews and 3 nieces.

Memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. (MT) on Saturday morning, April 25, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman, with lunch following at the church.

Memorials have been established for the Hester Home and the Dundy County Hospital Foundation. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.liewerfuneralhome.com

Liewer Funeral Home/ Benkelman Memorial Chapel have been entrusted with arrangements.