Oh Rita,
I am in shock seeing you passed. You were so full of life and such a wonderful person. I thought the world of you. Rest well and I will see you again someday on the other side...Dorothy

So sorry for your loss. I met Rita through Carole when Carole lived in Jersey City and she was such a great person.  May she Rest In Peace 🙏💔You will always have memories of her in your hearts and nothing can take that away. 
Laura

Rita was an amazing person and so funny, and just radiantly enjoyable to be around. We truly enjoyed our time with her and  we will miss her presence very much in our office. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family and she will surely be missed.

My sincere condolences

God has called another one of his angels to his side.

I met Rita in the early 1980s. We became good friends in the late 1980s and we were friends until unfortunate  so sad lost of Rita this past week. I made one huge mistake where I mistakenly walked away from our friendship in 2008 until 2023.. It was just a foolish mistake I made, and I regretted it for a long time. But I feel so fortunate that Rita and myself reconnected about 18 months ago and we’ve had a lot of good time since then. Typically over these 18 months we’ve gotten together in Charlotte at least one weekend a month where we just sit around and talk play games watch sports and of course have at least one nice dinner out which is something the two of us have enjoyed over our long friendship.. plus of course almost every time UK basketball played as a game. I would get a phone call from Rita where she was very happy or very mad or very stressed. Rita had a UK license plate in the  in the state of North Carolina these past 24 or so years. I myself  am a UK fan of but nothing like the passion that Rita had her whole life for UK!!  Another place where you saw Rita‘s UK passion was her wardrobe. Every time I saw her when UK basketball was playing she had a different UK jersey or top or jacket.on.  Rita simply had a UK wardrobe.  And she’d wear this UK clothing in a sports bar or anywhere in North Carolina..

Rita had a a special relationship with her dad. Rita loved  her mom and like many of us, Rita appreciate her mom more as as she  herself got older. Read it though was her dad’s little girl! There relationship was just so special and the bond between them was fabulous. 
I got to know Hubert (Rita’s dad) well in the 90s when Rita and myself both lived in Louisville. Hubert Office came down on the weekend and brought Aaron, Nikki and Will for the weekend.. a relationship between Rita and Hubert I saw over the years in the 90s plus, I saw both their relationships with the three children too. Rita, Hubert and myself often played 500 rummy on these weekends.. Hubert would love to lock me up where I could not make a play without putting him out, which Rita would get  the biggest kick out of every  time he did it to me. I loved my dad very much who died three years ago at 98 years old..  I though was fortunate to have Hubert too, m who was almost like a second father or a big brother.. Over the years I  had a lot of good times with Rita, but also with her dad and:or her niece and nephews.

I was so sorry to hear of Rita's passing.  I worked with Rita at 
Mc Alpin's and have such fond memories of our time there.  She was always so upbeat and caring to all.   She will be greatly missed.

Rita was a beautiful lady, inside & out. One of my favorite co-workers. Rita was smart, outspoken and passionate about her work. But what I loved most was her sharp wit & sincere warmth. She brightened a work day with her humor. She also made you feel special when something extra happened in your life, either celebratory or sad. A truly beautiful soul. My deepest condolences to Rita's family.

I used to work for and with Rita at Cato(Hi Cato friends). She was so much fun at work and when we travelled on buying trips. A delightful person with a huge heart. I was shocked to hear this news. Gone too soon. My condolences to her family and friends.

I met Rita in the early 1980s obviously she was a young beautiful lady and I was about 10 years older than her. For several years, I kind of. “Chased” Rita, but she was enjoying her early 20s to mid 20s and I was kind of an old man at that time. All to me we became very close friends and especially in the 90s in Louisville Kentucky. We did so much together.. I have many fond memories of our time together, but the time in Louisville was so special..
We took Nikki (niece),  Aaron & Will (nephews) on several vacations to St Augustine Florida. To now, Rita & I had conversations on all our fond memories from these trips. Especially memories of Will since he was only 5 or so on first trip. Will asking 15 minutes into drive, how much further.  Will chasing sea gulls on beach  on 1st trip upon arrival. Will bring our bartender at pool…5 year old going to condo & bringing 2 beers to pool for Rita & myself.  
Rita & I always enjoyed nice restaurants . Spending hours just talking, enjoying much wine, and  our meals.. Us not being parents took Nikki/Aaron/Will to nice kind of formal place in St Augustine on one of early trips. We got them McDonalds on way there and they brought their McDonald’s into place. As whole considering their ages all went well but obviously not peaceful dinner out Rita and myself were used to. Dinner was quicker than normal too and partly due to Will falling asleep. I carried Will out of that restaurant.

Rita….my (adopted) Auntie Rita. I met you several years ago at my best friends wedding and you immediately took me in as family. We’ve celebrated holidays together, vacationed together, had meaningful conversations mixed with a few adult beverages….for the “short” time (cause it just wasn’t long enough) that I’ve known you, it’s been a pleasure. The life of the party, always. That contagious laugh. Huge smile. Great, big heart. You’re unforgettable, and I’ll never forget you. ♥️

I was very sad to hear the news of Rita's passing.
I remember her smile and kindness. After my diagnosis with Parkinson's, she made it a point to stop by and see me from time to time to chat and see how I was doing. We shared stories about our trips to Fort Lauderdale.  She was passionate about her work and the consummate professional.  Rita will be missed and I will never forget how she treated me with kindness.

People often ask me how I have stayed at Cato for so long.  The answer is always quick to come and simple; the people.  Rita was one of those people.  For quite a while, I was on Rita's team, which was referred to as the 'Island of Misfit toys'.  I can truly say, the island will not be the same without you.  - Love Hermey.

My heart goes out to everyone and anyone who had the privilege of  being in Rita’s orbit. Over the many years of having a professional relationship with Rita , whenever we had the occasion to  see one another , there was always warm hellos and  hugs goodbye.
Rita , you will be missed more than you know!
May you REST IN PEACE 
Bobby J

2023 - Barbie Movie Premier Day at Cato offices - we all wore pink and Rita in the top back left brought her hot pink boa wand <3

I am so sorry and sad to hear of Rita’s passing. I was her hairdresser for 30 years, and she will be so missed.  We spent a lot of time together and I will remember her fondly.

My condolences,
Lisa Evans-Clark

I am so very sad to hear about Rita's passing.  We worked together for years at McAlpins in Lexington, KY.  We had a lot of fun together.  My deepest sympathy to her family. 
Laura Newman-Suter

I was so saddened to hear this.  Prayers for peace and comfort for Rita's family and friends.

I was deeply saddened to learn of this loss. My heart goes out to Rita's family and friends, and I extend my deepest sympathies during this difficult time.

What a light in this world … my Rita , her laughter and light …. I love you beyond words my friend 

Jan

To Rita’s beloved family and dear friends who she considered family, I want to share my deepest and most heartfelt condolences. Rita and I worked together. We didn’t hit it off right away, she’s a tough cookie, but over the last 5 years we got to a place of genuine love, respect and friendship.  She was one of a kind.  I’ve never met anyone like her and I am convinced there will never be another one like Rita.  She  had presence, you knew when she entered the room. And she was so damn funny and full of life. She had stories for days that she would share at the most random times… like the time she told me she won a belly dancing contest in Instanbul while we were assorting Dress prints lol. That was so Rita. Just dropping these little tidbits of her fascinating life along the way. And while having this big, beautiful personality, she was simultaneously one of the kindest, most thoughtful and genuine people I have ever met in my entire life. She would always ask how my kids were doing, how my doctor appointment was… she frequently brought me a Coke Zero or a Starbucks if she ran out for lunch just because she knew I would love to have one. I learned from her how a small gesture can make a big impact on someone’s day. She was so thoughtful. If someone was retiring, she had a gift. If someone lost a pet, she bought a card. If someone was having a baby, she went all out. Rita showed up. I always tried to show up for her in return. She was a very special person who will be so so missed. I am so blessed to have known her and called her a friend. What an impact she made. Love you Rita ❤️

OBITUARIO

Rita Ann Bowling

5 septiembre, 1961 – 24 abril, 2025

McEwen Funeral Service-Pineville Chapel

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