Rita Ann Boyer Jones, 69, of Pittston Township, passed away Wednesday evening, January 1, 2014, at home surrounded by her family, after a courageous 28 month battle with cancer.

She and her husband, Russell L. Jones, would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in May.

Born in Pittston, she was a daughter of the late Edward, Sr. and Helen Lozowski Boyer. She was a graduate of St. John's High School, Pittston and Lackawanna Junior Business College, Scranton. Rita loved God above all and was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Dupont.

Rita was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and aunt, who cherished time spent with family.

The Jones family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Guy Fasciana for the excellent and professional care provided to Rita during her illness and the entire staff of Compassionate Care Hospice especially, Diana and Yvette. A special thanks to Rev. Joseph D. Verespy, her pastor, for his spiritual guidance.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her four children, Mary Helene Mackin and husband, David; Joseph Jones and wife, Shirleen; Christine Ostraszewski and husband, John; Cheryl Ann Grimm and husband, Stephen, Sr.; brother, Edward Boyer; nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by an infant grandson, Michael John Mackin.

The funeral will be held on Monday January 6, 2014 at 9:15 A.M. from Baloga Funeral Home, Inc. 1201 Main Street Pittston (Port Griffith), with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M. in Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 215 Lackawanna Ave., Dupont, by Rev. Joseph D. Verespy. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.

Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Sunday, January 5, 2014 from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M., at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148.