Rita Ann Jones Brantley, age 72, 9 months, and 2 days, went to heaven on Tuesday, January 17, 2023. She left this life peacefully surrounded by her loved ones. 
Rita was born in Durant, Oklahoma at her grandmother’s home on April 15, 1950. She was the first child of the Jones family. She graduated from Blue High School and attended nursing school at Tishomingo, Okla. She worked in nursing for several years and later worked in the pipeline office for her husband. In her retired years she loved her country life, being around her family, and taking care of her little Nash. She took care of all those who needed her, no matter what issues they were facing in life. She loved to drive her tractor while listening to Waylon and Willie and tending to her horses, cows, and dogs. Her favorite colors were turquoise and orange. She enjoyed watching the sunsets during spring and summer, and watching her wildflowers grow in the pasture. Rita was a faithful member of Victory Christian Center in Tulsa, Okla., and loved the word of God.
People who knew Rita will remember her as a giving and loving person with a heart bigger than the Oklahoma sun. She loved all people she met from all walks of life and would not turn anyone down whom needed a hot meal to a place to stay. Her family and friends would like to thank all her friends, the doctors and nursing staff of Saint Francis Hospital, and her fellow prayer warriors for all the happy thoughts, love, and prayers they bestowed upon her during this time. Rita will surely be missed by us all.
She was a mother, grandmother, and sister; and preceded in death by her husband, Tommie L. Brantley; her parents, J. B. (Dick) Jones and Nira D. Mitchell Jones; her siblings, Mary Jo Jones and Alan Keith Jones; grandparents, James and Bessie Jones, and Elmer S. and Allie Pirtle Mitchell.
She is survived by her only son, Joel Ray Lake and his wife Michelle Lake; grandchildren, Rachel Lake, Mitchell Lake and his wife Destiney Lake, and Matthew Lake; and one great-grandchild, Nash Lake; all of Bixby, Okla.; sister, Shirley Stone of Decatur, Texas; brothers, Jacky Jones and wife Emily of Choctaw, Okla., and Jimmy Jones of Harrah, Okla. Rita had several nephews and nieces and an abundance of friends.
A memorial service in her honor is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023 at Brown’s Funeral Home in Durant.
Arrangements under the direction of Brown’s Funeral Service.
