Rita Rose Barthol

Rita Rose Barthol, 86, of Little Rock, died October 18, 2019. Rita was a member of Our Lady of Holy Souls Church and attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville where she found her love of the Razorbacks. Afterward she returned home and was hired as a reporter with the Camden News, where one her best memories was interviewing Elvis. She moved to Little Rock and was with the Guardian, now Arkansas Catholic newspaper. Around that time Rita took a trip to Mexico, where she prayed for a husband at the shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, fearing she may become an old maid at the tender age of 30.

Shortly thereafter a potential date to a Razorback game led to her meeting John Barthol, and her prayers were answered. Blessed with six children in eight years, Rita became a homemaker, as well as keeping after school children. Her love of children and special touch also led her to work in the aftercare and nursery programs at Holy Souls where she affectionately became known as "Miss Rita" to scores of kids. Rita loved visits to Mexico and listening to country music. She is also remembered for picnics and family gatherings where her thought and detail made each event special. Rita loved and cherished her family and grandchildren, her pets, and was also sure to feed the "night animals."

Rita is preceded in death by her parents, Edmund and Alma Sebaugh; her husband John; her son, Joe, six siblings, and a son-in-law, Jeff Bowers. She is survived by daughters Judy Bowers, Suzy Barthol (Danny Speegle), Betsy Korenblat (David); and sons John (Cindy) and Eddie (Rebecca Hutson), and eight grandchildren.

A visitation, followed by a Rosary will be held at 6pm, October 23 at Griffen Leggett, 5800 West 12th St. in Little Rock. Mass of Christian burial will be held October 24 at 10am at Holy Souls Church. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorials may be made in Rita's name to Discalced Carmelite Sisters of Little Rock.