Rita Yovonnie Jones

With love and gratitude for a life well lived, we celebrate the life of Rita Yovonnie “Cookie” Jones, who departed this life on May 20, 2026, at The University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas, at the age of 58.

Rita was born on April 19, 1968, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Jessie Milton Elbert Sr. and Ginger (Rogers) Elbert. She attended East High School in Kansas City, Missouri, and later furthered her education at Pikes Peak State College in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she earned her certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) with a focus in Nursing.

Rita dedicated many years of service to her community. She worked proudly as a Bus Operator for KCATA for 16 years before retiring in 2014. She was hardworking, dependable, and connected with many through both her work and her kindness.

Rita was united in marriage to the love of her life, Franklin Delano Jones Sr., on November 4, 1986, in Kansas City, Missouri. Together they built a life grounded in love, loyalty, and commitment, sharing 39 beautiful years of marriage. Through sickness and health, they stood faithfully by one another. Their home was a place of warmth, laughter, and open doors—always welcoming family, friends, and anyone in need of love or support.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Jessie Elbert Sr. and Ginger Elbert; her beloved son, Franklin D. Jones Jr.; her sister, Ernestine Moorman; her brother-in-law, Harold A. Ervin; and her sister-in-law, Carletta Higgs.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her devoted husband, Franklin D. Jones Sr.; her daughters, April McConnell (Mack) and Lonze Jones-Williams (Christopher); her siblings: Ernest Bowman (Vic), Henrietta Bowman, Brenda Bowman, Mark Bowman, Vincent Elbert, James Elbert (Nina), Marilyn Vassie (Raymond), Juanita Elbert, Wanda Edwin (Todd), Mary Morris, Marzelia Gartell, Jessie Elbert Jr., sisters-in-law Twila Saxton (Bryan) and Latanya Jones (William).

Rita’s greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren, who will cherish her always: Carlos, Aeriyona, Monte’, Arteeyona, Mack, Taylor, Future, CJ, Brandon, Arlando, and British, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends who loved her deeply.

Rita Yovonnie “Cookie” Jones will be remembered for her strength, humor, generous heart, and the unconditional love she gave so freely. Though she is no longer with us in body, her love, memories, and legacy will live on forever.