Nellie Ruth Cox (nee Toles), passed peacefully early Sunday morning, February 8, 2026. She was the beloved wife of the late James V. Cox; dear mother of Tom (Cindi) Cox, Beverly Cox and the late Debbie Cox; dear grandmother of Michael (Ilene) Zarvos, Piper (Curtis) Wright and Kellen (Addy) Cox; loving great-grandmother of Mason and Kenley Zarvos, Ellis and Merrick Wright, Lawson, Harlow and Chloe Cox; our dear sister-in-law, aunt, cousin and friend.

One of Nell's greatest joys was watching her children participate in their many sports activities. This continued with her grandchildren whether it was soccer, softball, volleyball, baseball, basketball or football. She and Jim traveled from Southwest Missouri to California to cheer on their favorite players. Nell was an active member of the Holy Infant Catholic Church Parish for 50 years. She spent a lifetime in many chapters of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority beginning at San Angelo College in 1950 until shortly after she moved to Springfield, Missouri in 2020. Nell loved working diligently with her Sorority Sisters for the many charity organizations they sponsored. She also played Bunco with the same friends for many years.

In the 1960's, Nell worked in the banking industry beginning with Texas State Bank in Dallas. She survived numerous takeovers and acquisitions and retired from Commerce Bank in Clayton, Missouri in 1998. She and Jim loved to travel, and they enjoyed many years of retirement together.  Nell was a woman of extraordinary warmth and a friend to everyone she met.  She was the cornerstone of her family and a great example of a life well-lived.  Nell leaves a legacy of love that spans 4 generations.  She will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Her family finds comfort in knowing that she will spend eternity with those that have gone before us and her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Visitation at the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin, MO Wednesday, February 18, 2025 from 4-8 p.m.

Services: Funeral Mass at Holy Infant Catholic Church, 627 Dennison Dr. Ballwin, MO on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery 2900 Sheridan Rd. St. Louis, MO at 1:00 p.m.

If desired, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association , Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States or American Cancer Society .

Friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.