She was born on April 3, 1940 in West Shively, Kentucky to the late Charles & Pauline (Wright) Howlett. Rita was one of five siblings: Betty Jean (Howlett) Oliver, Mary Helen (Howlett) Parker, Charles Howlett and Patricia (Howlett) Mattingly.
Following high school Rita lived in Washington D.C and Monterey California. She spent several years doing clerical work in the insurance, medical and legal fields.
Rita Mae Howlett married Raymond Chase Sron April 22, 1967 and had two sons, Ray Chase Jr and Randy Chase. Raymond Chase Sr served in the US Marine Corps for 30 years. During this time, Rita served as a military wife. She was a rock for her children when her husband was away from home in service to his country. Rita poured everything she had into her family. Their continued good health and happiness was her number one concern. At the time of Raymond's retirement from the US Marine Corp, Rita Chase received a commendation for her service to her country and her family.
Rita and Raymond moved to Orlando Florida in the early 2000's. She worked at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa at Walt Disney World for ten years. One of her greatest joys was getting her family into the Disney theme parks and giving them Disney gifts. She loved her grandkids with all her heart and would light up at the very sight or mention of them. Rita was a very generous and caring person. She was fun loving and enjoyed music and dancing. Catholic by faith, Rita was a woman of faithfulness & family.
She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 53 years, Raymond Gerald Chase, Sr.
Rita was a beloved Wife, Mom and Granny. She is survived by her sons, Ray Chase Jr. and his wife Karen, Randy Chase and his wife Jill; grandchildren, Emily and Logan Chase, Brooke and Grant Chase; sibling, Mary Helen Parker.
On Friday, December 11, 2020 at 1:30pm, Rita Mae Chase will be laid to rest beside her husband at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery. Condolences may be offered at www.baldwinfairchildwintergarden.com In lieu of flowers the family we have two charity opportunities below:
Brooke Chase (Rita's Granddaughter) Girl Scout Silver Award Project for Merrill Garden (Memory Care location that supported Rita in in her final years). https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/30WIEMJ9NJ8BC?ref_=wl_share
Dementia Society of America - Please make contributions in memory of Rita Chase to the Dementia Society of America by mail to PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901, or online at www.DementiaSociety.org/donate
