Rita Helen Moran

Rita Helen Moran, age 74, of Smyrna, Tennessee, passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at the Alvin C. York VA Medical Center. Rita was the daughter of the late Howard and Rita Jones Olsen. She is survived by her daughter, Tracey Van Strander and husband Keith; son, John Moran and wife Grace; grandchildren, Kaylee, Tori, Heather and Christina; eight great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren and her cat Ellie Mae.

A celebration of Rita’s life will be on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Two O’clock in the afternoon. Friends are welcome to begin to gather at One O'clock.

Rita proudly served her country in the US Army. She was a faithful member of Faith Baptist on the Old Nashville Highway.

Rita wore many hats throughout her life, but she found her true calling behind the wheel of a big rig, embracing the freedom and adventure of the open road. She never met a stranger and had a gift for conversation, especially with service members and law enforcement officers, whose dedication she deeply admired. Whether taking long walks outdoors or sharing stories with those around her, Rita brought warmth and energy wherever she went.

Her love for Dalmatians began with Smokey, the family dog who captured her heart and inspired a cherished collection of Dalmatian figurines over the years. She was also a devoted fan of the Nashville Predators and rarely missed the chance to cheer them on. Rita found comfort in the pages of novels by Nora Roberts and Clive Cussler, enjoyed a favorite meal from Wendy’s, and had a tender heart for animals of every kind. Her fondness for apples even found its way into her decorating style, adding a touch of her personality and charm to the home she loved.