Viola Rita Manuel

1942 – 2026

Terre Haute, IN — Viola Rita Manuel, 83, passed away on July 12, 2026. A woman of fierce strength and boundless love, Rita fought a brave battle until the very end to remain with the family who meant everything to her.

Born in Terre Haute, IN on September 11, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Russell and Viola Manuel. Following her mother’s passing at a young age, Rita grew up under the care of her father alongside her five brothers (Jimmy, Leroy, Joe, Bobby, and Junie). From her youth to her senior years, one of her simplest and greatest pleasures was sitting on the porch, swinging and watching the world go by.

Rita graduated from Fountanet High School and was a dedicated worker who built lasting friendships at Columbia Records, Todd Uniform, and Kroger North, where she eventually retired.

On May 27, 1977, she wed Reverend Dennis Manuel. Together, they shared a beautiful marriage centered on family and faith. For many years, as Dennis faced severe struggles with his memory and sight, Rita served as his devoted caretaker and guide, ensuring he never missed a beat. Since his passing two years ago, Rita has deeply missed her partner, and her family is comforted that they are reunited in heaven.

Rita was a true protector of her family and neighbors. She was always completely giving of her time no matter the circumstance without a single word of complaint. If you called she came, waited hours with you, comforted you, and prayed over you. She enjoyed new adventures; Rita would happily go along on absolutely any adventure that Eric and LaRita would offer her, whether it was a long trip to pick up a puppy or heading out to a church event. She loved her Son-In-Law Eric and she would sing his praises to anyone who would listen. He made sure she had flowers to look at and that she never went without her favorite candies. She loved watching Jimmy Swaggart, listening to Willie Nelson radio, and ensuring her yard was pristine—frequently calling on her daughter Rhonda to perfect her mulch and flowers. She also possessed a legendary sweet tooth, carefully concealing her orange slices under her pillow to keep them safe from her dog, Coco.

Her love lives on through her surviving daughters, Crystal Phillips, Rhonda Phillips, and LaRita Shaw (Eric); her grandchildren, Christian Walden, Justine Walden, Whitney Walden, Sydney Phillips, and Chandler Jenkins. She shared an extraordinarily tight, unique bond with her grandson Jalen Jenkins, whom she fondly called "J." She was always worried about him, constantly making sure he was happy and had absolutely everything he wanted and needed in life. She was so proud of him and his love for N’Kara and Lily. She is also survived by her chosen family and cherished neighbors, Millie and James White, Chelsea, and Chelsea’s children, whom Rita loved as her own. Some of her absolute favorite recent memories were her trips to visit her granddaughter, Aliya, and her husband, Connor. Rita treasured every single moment of those visits, especially because of her profound love for their precious new baby, Emilia, who brought immense joy to her heart. She loved visits and calls from Whitney, Kwinten, and Jed. They always managed to put a smile on her face.

Rita was greeted in eternity by her husband, Dennis; her parents; and her brothers, James and Robert Manuel.

Service Details:

A Committal Service will take place on Friday, July 17, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm at Grandview Cemetery, 1601 Lockport Road, Terre Haute, IN 47802.