Nita Marie Cox (nee Hatley) , asleep in Jesus December 3, 2025 at the age of 93. She was born on February 20th, 1932 to the late Hector and Roxie Hatley. Beloved wife of the late Harold Gene Cox of 64 years and to this union, 4 children were born. She passed peacefully on Wednesday morning at Harton Senior Living in Warrenton, MO surrounded by family and so much love.

She was a loving mother to and loved by Mark (Donna) Cox, Ken (Teresa) Cox and Jenny Cox.  A loving grandma to and loved by Lauren (Chris) Hoskins, Courtney (Joe) Moore, Chad (Francesca) Klatt, Jared (Jamie) Klatt and Ryan (Kari) Klatt. A loving great-grandmother and loved by Calla, Kennedy, Everett, Ava, Parker, Jeffrey and Kristofer, Piper and Jared Jr.

Nita is survived by her loving siblings; Euell (Mae) Hatley, Berneta Baird (nee Hatley), Carl Hatley and many dear cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

She is preceded in death by her sweet parents, Hector and Roxie (nee Farrell) Hatley, Loving husband, Harold “Gene” Cox and first born son Michael Kevin Cox. She is also preceded in death by her siblings, Almadean Hatley, Wanda “Colleen” Waldon  Carruthers, Ann (Aubrey) Murray, Bonnie Ford (nee Hatley), Calvin (Christine) Hatley and James (Wanda) Hatley, and brother-in-law, Bud Baird.

Nita grew up in Knobel, Arkansas, the 5th born of 10 children. She moved to St. Louis at the age of 19 where she met her husband, Gene. They raised their family in St. Ann, MO where they lived for 54 years. Nita started her own cleaning business and eventually put Gene on the payroll after he retired in 1989. They worked together until they both fully retired in 1995. Nita cared for Gene as he progressed with dementia, always loving him and making sure he had everything he needed (including chili and pumpkin pie).

Nita was gentle and kind, boldly serving the God she loved. Nita loved her family and friends beyond measure. She found joy in sharing her stories of growing up on a cotton farm with her many siblings. Family reunions were full of laughter and music. Nita enjoyed playing music with her family and eventually sharing this love of music with her children. She encouraged others and provided sincere and heart-felt words of wisdom. She loved unconditionally without judgement. She connected with others deeply and left a lasting impact on so many lives. She was a great role model, teaching us by example what God-like character is.

A special thanks to and much love for our Harton Senior Living family who served and cared for Nita the last two years. And to St. Croix Hospice for helping her peacefully pass into her eternal home. You loved and honored her well.  And, you honored us – for that we are forever grateful.

Celebration of Life: A celebration of life will be held at a later date due to travel and weather. We will celebrate a life well lived when we can all be together.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations in Nita’s memory be made to:

Alzheimer’s Association

www.dementiasociety.org