Rita Marie Barger

“If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together, there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart…I’ll always be with you.” Winnie The Pooh. Rita Marie Barger closed her eyes and found rest as she opened them in the presence of our Lord on June 20, 2011. Born in Yuma, Arizona to Rudy and Glenda Alday, Rita spent much of her childhood in Missouri. Two years were spent overseas, and in 1975 the family moved to Oklahoma. She enlisted in the United States Army at 24 years of age, serving honorably in the Medical Corp in Hawaii and Texas. After discharging from the military, Rita continued her education, graduating with honors from Mary Hardin-Baylor University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She is survived by her husband Ferris Jay, who brought much happiness to her life, and daughter Zoe Mae, who made Rita’s joy complete. She is survived by her sister Carla Seitz and husband Scott, and brother and sister-in-law Travis and Heather Barger. She leaves behind nephews Evan and Alex Zumwalt, niece Mariah Seitz, and nieces Ava and Brooklyn Barger, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins in Arizona and Kansas whom she dearly loved. Rita was a caring and compassionate nurse, terrific big sister, and beloved wife and mother. She will be truly missed, but will live on in our hearts. The family wishes to thank the staff at Baptist ICU and Select Specialty Hospital, and to express their appreciation to Dr. David Stokesberry who was Rita’s physician, advisor and friend. Funeral Services for Rita will be held 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 24, 2011 at Chapel Hill Funeral Home. Visitation will be held Thursday, June 23rd from 8a – 8p with the family receiving guests from 5p – 8p.