Rita Kay Allen

Rita Kay Mitchell Allen, age 61 of Gastonia, NC passed away very peacefully and was taken into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Friday,May 15, 2015 with her loving family by her side. She was a longtime employee at Cigna Healthcare. A life-long musician.

Rita was very active in her church at Bradley Memorial United Methodist where she was past President of the United Methodist Women and Chairperson of varies committees. She did things not for her recognition, but for The Glory of God.

Mrs. Allen was preceded in death by her parents, John and Bertha Mitchell including various aunts and uncles.

Rita was married to and survived by her loving and caring husband of 39 years Arthur “Chuck” Allen, Jr.; two sons: Mitchell Ross Allen and wife Katie of Gastonia, NC and Todd Christopher Allen of Lumberton, NC.; two beautiful grandchildren: Aubree Claire Allen and Lathan Ross Allen; sister and brother-in-law: Susan and Michael Russell of York, SC; her first cousin Jane Whiteside who was the sister she never had; nephew: Gray Friday, numerous aunts and uncles and an abundant number of cousins and friends.

Services for Mrs. Allen will be conducted on Monday, May 18, 2015 at 3 p.m. in the Sanctuary of Bradley Memorial United Methodist Church with Reverend Debra Short to officiate the Celebration of Life Ceremony. Interment for Rita will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Belmont NC.

Pallbearers will be Dennis Connell, David Rhyne, Steve Rogers, Phillip Triplett, David McCarver and Allen McCarver.

The family will receive friends on Sunday , May 17, 2015 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Chapel of Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers donations may be given in memory of Rita Allen to: Testa Family Hospice House, 321 Kings Mountain Blvd. Kings Mountain, NC 28086.

Online condolences may be sent to the Allen family at www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com

Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park is honored to be serving the family of Rita Allen.