She was born April 30, 1930 in Mullins, SC, the daughter of Samuel Hartford Stevens and Esther Estelle Jenkins Ware.
Rita graduated from Wingate Junior College.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Thomas M. Blackwelder, Jr. She is survived by her loving family, sons Thomas M. Blackwelder, III (Tim) and wife Jennifer; and Kurt R. Blackwelder and wife Diane; daughter Emily A. Blake and husband Ron; grandchildren Sandra, Melanie Elizabeth, Thomas (Hart), Ethan and Matthew; great grandchildren Kaitlyn and Holland.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at Quail Hollow Presbyterian Church, 8801 Park Rd., Charlotte, NC 28210.
A reception will follow the service.
On-line condolences may be offered at www.mcewenpineville.com.
Arrangements under the direction of McEwen Funeral Service-Pineville Chapel, Charlotte, NC.
