Madeline Jean Nichols-Jones

Madeline Jean Nichols-Jones, age 74, passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at St. Francis Hospital in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

She was the beloved wife of Gary Jones of Council Hill, Oklahoma. Together, they shared 52 wonderful years, including 23 years at Paradise Point in Council Hill.

Madeline was born on October 20, 1951, in Checotah, Oklahoma, to Gay Nichols and Helen (Fairchild) Nichols of Onapa, Oklahoma.

She was the only daughter among four children. She attended Onapa Public School until its closure, then transferred to Checotah High School, where she graduated in 1969.

Madeline worked as a waitress and was employed at several restaurants in Checotah over the years.

She was a believer in God and found joy in simple pleasures. She enjoyed soap operas, crocheting, cooking, and video games, as well as attending Sunday socials. Above all, she cherished time spent with her grandchildren, Dylan and Sydney.

An avid gardener, Madeline loved planting morning glories, petunias, and Easter lilies. She will be remembered for her humor, her spunky spirit, and her remarkable ability to make the most out of very little.

Madeline is survived by her husband, Gary Jones of Council Hill; her daughter, Buffy and husband Vernon Wilbanks of Checotah; her stepdaughter, Keiri Deana Salvatore and husband Drake Salvatore of Checotah; her brothers, Marvin Nichols and wife Brenda of Checotah, and Dean Nichols of Decatur, Alabama; her grandson, Dylan Stauffer of Checotah; her granddaughter, Sydney Branstetter and husband Heath of Checotah; and her great-grandson, Jaxson Branstetter of Checotah. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gay Nichols and Helen Nichols; her brother, Melvin Nichols; her son-in-law, Trey Stauffer; and her beloved cat, Thomas.

Viewing will take place on Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and on Monday, April 20, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Hunn Funeral Home & Cremation Service.

Graveside services are scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Greenlawn Cemetery, 420219 E. 1080 Rd., Checotah, Oklahoma. Interment will follow.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hunn Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 211 W. Okmulgee Ave., Checotah, Oklahoma 74426.

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"And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it."

~Ecclesiastes 12:7

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