She received her bachelor's and masters degrees in education from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Rita taught in several elementary schools in Hamilton County over the course of her career. After retirement, she continued working with children as a reading specialist at Red Bank Elementary.
In addition to her love of teaching, Rita also loved watching and supporting Big Orange football.
She was preceded in death by her parents James W. and Fay M. Harris.
Survivors include her daughter, Cindy (Tom) Cofer of Signal Mountain, grandchildren Caroline (Hugh) Faust of Strawberry Plains, Tennessee and John Cofer of Chattanooga.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you contribute to the American Heart Association or YoungLife of Chattanooga at 516 Cherokee Boulevard, 37405.
Visitation will be 2:00- 4:00 pm Sunday, October 13, 2013, with a service immediately following in the funeral home chapel. Entombment will be at later date.
Arrangements are by Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist, North Chapel, 5401 Hwy 153, Hixson, TN, 37343. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
