It's hard to believe it has been a year sweet lady! I love my memories of you. Walking up to the organ and chatting with you after giving you a big squeeze was fun because you would alway pretend that I was squeezing you in half. =) Your gentle spirit was always so calming and easy to be around. Loving you still....

I'm going to join the chorus praising this wonderful human who made everyone's life a little better. From the dark ages of the early 60s I remember Rita Sue & Darrell. She with the beautiful hair & Darrell with the flattest of flat tops, a perfect late 50s couple!  Rita Sue was a joy to know & since I never saw her sad, I'll try to take the advice of Dr. Seuss & celebrate her wonderful life. 

Like other former bad boys are admitting, I was also a squirmy little boy & many dozens of times Norma Jean's mother would turn around & put a lifesaver in my mouth so I wouldn't drown out Rita Sue at the piano during the Sunday service. I doubt anyone ever served Trinity Baptist Church longer or better than Rita Sue. I'll forever be thankful for the kindness, friendship & love I received growing up at Trinity. Peace to the family of this good woman. 

I'm including a photo of Mom, Mike & me all dressed up & on our way to Trinity for Easter back in 1965. Please Diana, no dork jokes! 

Gary, Diana  and  Denise, So sorry to hear of the passing of your mother.  We used to bowl with Rita Sue and Darrell and thru your dad I got to know your mother.  A wonderful Christian lady and affected many lives for Christ.  Be comforted in knowing that she is now in the arms of our Lord and Savior and united with her beloved Darrell.  May God`s love and grace comfort you during this time of loss.  John & Treva Kizer

I am so very sorry to hear this. She was such an influence in my life.  Her mother took care of so many children in the church nursery, including myself, for many, many years.  I grew up at Trinity Baptist and was the church piano accompanist. I would beg Rita Sue show me how to play the organ which she finally relented and then allowed me to learn.  She was always there and encouraged me, and guided me in my music and my life growing up. Her and  Darrell (Snooty), was loved by my family and everyone that knew them. I will always cherish my memories of her and her family.  Diana, I so very sorry for your loss and you are in my prayers.
Cindy (Spessard) Fose

What a wonderful lady.  So many memories of camp as a kid and Rita Sue was always there. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Mike and Sue

I cannot remember a time when Rita Sue and her family were not part of my life and the life of my family.  Her grandmother watched me in the nursery at Trinity Baptist Church (and given my behavior would deserve heaven just for putting up with me and those like me).  When I think of her I think of the kind of person I would want to be in my church family.  She was faithful in every way to her Lord and her church.  She was a living example of the kind of servant our Lord said we should be.  When my parents were ill or in a skilled care facility, she and her dear friend Norma Jean would be there regularly to visit.  My mother dearly loved her and always looked forward to seeing her.   I remember sitting alone in the ICU waiting room at Mercy Hospital with my mother struggling to survive, and in came Rita Sue and Norma Jean.   They just sat there and held my hand as I cried like a baby and didn't make me feel guilty or ashamed.  Rita Sue was just that kind of person.  In life there are those who have made a difference and left an impact.  Rita Sue was just such a person and I count it as one of God's grace gifts to me that she was a friend.  

She was a very nice lady. My condolences to the family.

All my life.  She was like a great sister, ever calm ever being there for you.    A peaceful blessing in my life.   As needed for music She didn’t miss a beat.  You could always count on Rita Sue.  Sweet and kind always.  She was my connection to the ole home church.   You will always be a great cousin to me. Thanks for being there for our family....Doris,Gene,Glenda Jo, Jack(ie) and me Monte Hale     

A great Christian Lady Plays the Organ in Heaven tonight.

Our hearts break for your loss. I’ve known Rita Sue since she welcomed me  into her family as a young girl. Rita was always kind to me and that kindness extended to my children and grandchildren. She always took time to send a card of congratulations or well wish’s. She will be missed for years to come. 

Paula Longoria 

Words cannot explain how much I will miss my Rita Sue.  I have already needed to call her but I am sure there are no phones in Heaven.

She has always been our leader, friend, advisor and example to follow.
Her years of dedication to her Lord, Church, Family and Friends cannot be matched.  

Our job now is to make sure we will see her again in Heaven with our Lord!

Patsy Keith

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Rita Sue's homegoing. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends. 

Rita Sue and I were in the youth group at Trinity, before I left Fort Smith. In more recent years, we have been in touch via Facebook.

So sorry for your family. Thinking and praying for you during this difficult time.

Matt Burcham and family 

I grew up in Trinity Baptist Church and have always known Rita Sue.  She put up with all the girls in church and took us on many trips. I remember going to a slumber party at her house and ate my first pizza there. I loved watching her children grow up. Thank you kids for sharing your wonderful mother with me!

I WENT TO GIRLS AUX. AT TRINITY BAPT CH  WITH RITA WHEN WE WERE JUST TEENS .  I ALSO RODE THE BUS TO SCHOOL WITH SNOOTY , LATER HER HUSBAND .  SHE WAS ALWAYS FRIENDLY AND A CHRISTIAN .  SHE WILL BE MISSED HERE  .  HEAVEN'S GAIN .

OBITUARY

Rita Sue Rogers

11 August, 1936 – 30 April, 2019

Edwards Funeral Home

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