Mary Jane Lovato (Jones), 84, of La Jara, New Mexico, passed away on March 12, 2026. She was born December 30, 1941, in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, to William Delbert Jones and Ethel Lee Jones.

Mary married the love of her life, Eddie Archie Lovato, on February 9, 1962, and together they shared 64 wonderful years of marriage. Together they built a life centered around family, laughter, and time spent with the people they loved most.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who valued and truly loved her family and friends. Mary had a special way of making everyone feel welcome. If you were her friend, she considered you family. Her home was always open and welcoming, filled with stories, laughter, and the people she loved.

Mary was also known for her amazing cooking and the comfort of her home. Around her table, everyone was welcome and treated like family. She had a rare gift for making people feel seen, valued, and deeply loved.

Mary is survived by her beloved husband, Eddie Archie Lovato, and their four children: Tina Marie Lovato Varela (Kathleen), Eddie Archie Lovato Jr. (Valerie), Tony Amadeo Lovato (Denise), and Daniel Scott Lovato (Angel). She also leaves behind a large and loving family of 18 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William Delbert Jones and Ethel Lee Jones; her brothers Billy Lee Jones and Charles “Sonny” Jones; and her sister Barbara Jean (Jones) Hayhurst. Mary cherished time with her family more than anything. She loved traveling to Puerto Peñasco and Vallecito Lake, where she and Eddie spent time with family and made many lifelong friends. One of her favorite traditions was gathering the whole family together each year for the Labor Day reunion at her home. Some of her favorite moments were spent playing washers and sitting around the campfire surrounded by the people she loved most.

Mary’s legacy is the strong, close-knit family she and Eddie built together. Her love, laughter, and generous spirit will live on in the many lives she touched.

Though she is no longer with us, the traditions she created, the love she gave, and the family she brought together will continue on. The special place she held in our hearts and the piece that is missing now can never be replaced.

We love you, Mary Jane. Go rest high on the mountain.

Services

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Daniels Family Funeral Services – Carlisle Chapel,

3113 Carlisle Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church,

6440 Main Street, Cuba, NM 87013, with a reception to follow.