Nita Cottrell

Nita Kay (Jones) Cottrell 78, of Decatur, IL passed away peacefully at home on Friday, September 18, 2026, with her loving husband and daughters by her side.

The family will gather for a memorial visitation to honor Nita’s life from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., Sunday September 27, 2026, at Calvert & Wikoff Funeral Home, Mt. Zion, IL. Memorials may be made in Nita’s name c/o St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Messages of condolence may be shared with the family at Calvertmemorial.com.

Nita was born April 3, 1949, in Decatur, IL the daughter of Arnie and Elpha (Lane) Jones. She was a 1968 graduate of Macon High School. Nita married Mickey Cottrell on April 6, 1968. She had worked several jobs over the years including waitressing, school bus driver, flower shop and lastly Lowes Home Improvement until retiring. After retirement from Lowes, Nita and Jennifer owned a gift and coffee shop together called “Gypsy Depot” in Forsyth for 3 years. Nita had many enjoyments including: reading, baking, tending her flowers, playing cards, traveling and spending time with family. She was the mom that all the kids wanted to have and made a point of attending all of her children’s school events and activities, whenever they occurred. She was a very involved Mother.

Surviving is her husband: Mick of Decatur; daughters: Denise Orris of Bethany and Jennifer Spear (Scott) of Monticello; special nephews: Keith Bailey of Imperial, MO and Rodger Bailey of Mattoon, IL; grandchildren: Kaytie Roley (Dylan), Amy Spracklen (Andrew), Jay Orris and Stacey Orris; great-grandchildren: Payton Spracklen, AJ Roley, Axton Roley, and Andey Roley; sister: Wanda Addison; and grand-dog, Rosco.

Nita was preceded in death by her parents and five of her siblings.

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to Enhabit Hospice Team: Jen, Aspen, Shelly, and Marissa, as well as Tricia, Sasha, and Paige for all the wonderful care and compassion shown to Nita and her family.