Rita Marie Leap James

A woman who loved taking care of her family… This quality best describes Rita Marie Leap James who passed away at the age of 75 on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at the Robin Johnson House in Dallas, North Carolina. Rita was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She loved cooking and baking for her family and friends. Rita loved volunteering for many worth while charitable and humanitarian causes. She was a Catechist at St. Michael’s Catholic Church.

She was the daughter of the late Leroy Leap and Philomena Ann Kearns Leap. She was preceded in death by one sister and three brothers.

Those left behind to cherish the memories of Rita are her husband of 39 years, GySgt Buddy Lee James USMC (ret) of the home; daughter and son in law: Lonikay and Jeff Templeton of Gastonia, North Carolina; son and daughter in law: Ronald and Brenda Widerman of Seaford, Delaware; six grandchildren: Zachary Walker Templeton, Andrew Jeffery Templeton, Jacob Samuel Widerman, Paul David Widerman and wife Tyler, Senior Airman (SrA) Timothy Joel Widerman, United States Air Force and wife Sarah, Jessica Miriam Widerman; brother and sister in law: Patrick and Ann Leap of Baltimore Maryland.

A Rosary Service will take place at 8:00 PM on Thursday, March 10, 2016 at Carothers Funeral Home, 2205 Williamsburg Drive, Gastonia, North Carolina 28054 with Father Matthew Buettner to officiate the ceremony.

Funeral Mass will occur at 10:00 AM, Friday, March 11, 2016 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 708 Saint Michael’s Lane, Gastonia, North Carolina 28052. Active pallbearers are Zachary Templeton, Andrew Templeton, Jacob Widerman, Paul Widerman and Jeff Templeton.

Graveside and committal service will follow in the Honor Garden at Gaston Memorial Park.