She graduated from Litchfield Academy, Litchfield, Maine in 1957 and completed Nursing School at St. Mary’s General Hospital, Lewiston, Maine in 1960. She proudly served her country in the United States Army Nurse Corps. When she left for Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas on January 4, 1961, where she received her commission as a Second Lieutenant. She completed 20 years of military service and was retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Military Decorations included the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, and the National Defense Service Medal.
Rita married the love of her life Edgar Morales on July 28, 1979, in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. They had spent 45 wonderful years living together in Maine and eventually settling in San Antonio, Texas. Rita loved the outdoors where she loved her gardens and plants. She was ardent to her faith and was friend to many of the Churches Sisters wherever she had called home. She also reminisced about the seasons in Maine especially missing the white snow in winter and the colors of fall. Her and Ed did not have children but did enjoy having several dogs to keep them company over the years.
She is predeceased by her husband, Edgar Morales; her parents, Roger N. LeBel and Jeanne LeBel; along with brother, Paul R. LeBel of Litchfield, Maine, and brother, Roger D. LeBel of Sabattus, Maine. Rita is survived by her sister, Louise Despres and husband Jerome; and sister-in-law, Rochelle LeBel of Litchfield Maine. She also has many nieces and nephews as well.
A procession will depart Porter Loring Mortuary North on Monday, January 27, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
MASS
MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2025
9:30 AM
ST. MATTHEW CATHOLIC CHURCH
10703 WURZBACH ROAD
Please see below to access live recording.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TqYSsdEXe6sk8skX5Uxxkb2zbZ8mvYfU/view?usp=sharing_
Burial to follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery with Military Honors. In Lieu of flowers please donate to https://www.alzheimerscharities.org/
