Merita “Rita” J. Worden passed away on March 18, 2026, at the age of 70. Rita was a resident of Huntingburg, Indiana. Known by all as "someone loved by everyone who knew her", Rita possessed a rare warmth that made friends out of strangers and felt like home to her family. She lived a life filled with the Holy Spirit, and her unwavering devotion to her faith guided every hand she held and every word of encouragement she gave.
Rita is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, Shawn Worden. It was love at first site in Letcher County, Kentucky. She is also survived by her Children, Stephanie Kalbaugh (David), Shawna Worden, Brittany Tribbey (Kevin); Grandchildren, Chelsea, Kayla, Austin, Shelby, Raegen, Kennedy, Pyper, Presley, Hayden, & Oakley; 5 great-grandchildren; Siblings, Barbara Lawson, Gary Brown (Nancy), Randy Frazier (Betty), Lois Lykins, Joe Niehaus, Tony Brown (Rose), Donna Anderson; and a host of other relatives.
She is preceded in death by her daughters, Tamera Pease and Shannon Worden; Mother, Grace Cornett, Granddaughter, Madelyn Tribbey; Sisters, Sue Whitaker and Sharon Anderson; brothers, Danny Brown and Terry Brown; and many other beloved family members.
Visitation will be on Friday, March 27th from 4:00 pm- 8:00 pm at Kraft Funeral Home, 2776 Charlestown Road, New Albany, Indiana & on Saturday, March 28th from 10:00 am- 11:00 am. Her funeral service will follow at 11:00 am. She will be laid to rest in Kraft-Graceland Memorial Park.
