Rita Campbell Hooker (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Rita Yvonne Bear Campbell Hooker, daughter of Fritz E. and Bertha M. Stephens Bear, was born March 5, 1932, in Marshfield, Missouri. She departed this life Saturday, May 5, 2012, in James River Care and Rehabilitation Center, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of eighty years, and two months.
On September 22, 1951, she was united in marriage to James Glenn Campbell, and to this union five sons were born. James passed away on August 13, 1978.
On October 22, 1988, Rita married Harrison Dale Hooker, and they shared twenty years before his passing on April 3, 2009.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; a son, Gary Gene Campbell; a stepson, H. Dale Hooker, Jr.; a brother, Fritz Bear, Jr.; a half brother, Richard Bear; and a sister, Coleen Bear.
Rita is survived by four sons, Mark Campbell, of Lebanon, Missouri, Jim Campbell, and his wife, LaDonna, of Raytown, Missouri, Scott Campbell, of Blue Springs, Missouri, and Gregg Campbell, and his wife, Katie, of Indianapolis, Indiana; a stepdaughter, Anne Williamson, of Dallas, Texas; ten grandchildren, Corey, Collin, Jennifer, Susan, Matthew, Beau, Ebby, Bailey, Madison, and Nick; two step-grandchildren, Brooke and Brian; six great-grandchildren, Julia, J.C. Jetta, Molly, Austin, and Brody; four step-great-grandchildren, Ethan, Sophia, Mason, and Madison; four sisters, Veda Rowe, of Springfield, Missouri, Kathleen Pettit, of Crocker, Missouri, Anita Creviston, of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Betty Gates, of Springfield, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and many friends.
She was born and raised in Southwest Missouri, around the Springfield and Webster County areas. She graduated from Springfield High School where she was a member of the Kilties. She continued to live in Springfield until she and James were married, following him to San Diego, California while he served in the military. After he was honorably discharged from the service, they returned to the Midwest and made their home in Lebanon in 1964, where they lovingly finished raising their sons. In addition to being a devoted homemaker to her husband and family, Rita worked at Appling Grocery Store, Wal Mart, and Burley’s Department Store for several years. Later, she was employed as a teller at Central Bank in downtown Lebanon for a number of years. After she and Dale were married, they made their home in Lebanon until moving to Springfield about five years ago, where Rita continued to live after Dale’s passing.
Rita made her profession of faith in Christ early in her life and was a member of First Congregational Church in Lebanon. She was baptized in 1978, and was an active member of First Baptist Church in Lebanon for many years. Later, she became a member of First United Methodist Church.
She belonged to the Seeders Garden Club and enjoyed growing beautiful flowers in her garden. She was a very gracious hostess and liked entertaining people in her home. She enjoyed writing letters to her family and friends, and liked listening to music and traveling. She was always very involved in community activities and was supportive of her sons’ extra-curricular activities. She put her family in the center of her life and especially enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Rita was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and her accomplishments and will fondly remember her delightful laugh and beautiful smile.
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