Rita Lynn Brotherton

Rita L. Brotherton, age 74 (affectionately known as Rhino Rita), passed away on Tuesday, February 2, 2021. She lived her life with a true passion for making a difference with everyone who crossed her path. Rita was born in South Bend, IN to the late Mr. and Mrs. Zeke and Zelda Shapiro. She was a resident of Nashville, IN, Hamilton, MO, Terre Haute, IN Jeffersonville, IN, and San Diego, CA. Rita earned her B.S. in Education, M.S. in Psychology and her Ed.S. From Indiana University. She made a positive impact with students as a guidance counselor, psychology professor and a supervisor for student teachers. She found true joy and inspiration in working with children and young adults. Rita married the late Dr. William Brotherton on January 1, 1972 in Bloomington, IN. They celebrated twenty-nine years of marriage before his early passing. During this time, they had two children. Rita truly enjoyed volunteering regardless of what city she resided in and had a love of arts and nature. She volunteered for many organizations, including The Tulare County, CA Symphony, The Morro Bay, CA Natural History Museum, The Falls of the Ohio State Park in Clarksville, IN, and The Howard Steamboat Museum in Jeffersonville, IN. Rita was known for her larger-than-life personality, strong wit, fierce love of family and friends and the art of forgiveness, regardless of what adversity she faced. She taught her children to be strong, compassionate, honest and to always have a true sense of integrity. She will be missed more than words can express. She is survived by her daughter, Amy McHugh (Nick McHugh) of Louisville, KY and son, James Brotherton of San Diego, CA, her brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Diana Shapiro of Nashville, IN; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Alan and Judy Brotherton of Muscatine, IA; nieces and nephews; Rachel, Shane, and Ian Smith of North Liberty, IA and Sarah and Clay Farebrother of North Liberty, IA. A full graveside funeral service will be held on Friday, February 5, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Green Lawn Cemetery in Nashville, IN. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Congregation Beth Shalom in Bloomington, IN. https://www.bethshalom-bjc.org/give If you are interested in contributing to the Bill & Rita Memorial Bench at Indiana University, and maybe another one at the beach, please contact James Brotherton.