Rita Belle Loomis (Hartville)'s Obituary
Rita Belle Loomis, daughter of O.L. and Laura (Bradford) Tredwell, was born January 11, 1926 in Hector, Arkansas. The Lord called her home early Sunday morning, June 7, 2020 in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of ninety-four years, four months, and twenty-seven days.
On February 23, 1946, Rita was married to Ernest Loomis and the couple were together until his passing in August of 2004.
Rita is preceded in death by her husband, Ernie; a grandson, Michael Lance Loomis; her brother, Allen Tredwell; and her two sisters, Delores Dixon and Rheba Agee.
She is survived by her three children, Gene Loomis and his wife Shelia, of Strafford, Missouri, Sharon Shaver and her husband Garry, of Grovespring, Missouri, and Rick Loomis and his wife Kathy, of
Edmond, Oklahoma; her eight grandchildren, Aaron Loomis and his wife Izumi, Stanley Shaver and his wife Diana, Shawna Northrop and her husband Jeremy, Sasha Hermeling and her husband Keith,
Jennifer Penland, Gregory Loomis and his wife Rebecca, and Evan Loomis and his wife Kayla; nine great-grandchildren, Celeste, Isaac, Michael, Nickolas, Adam, J.T., Kaylee, Laura, and Ava; one great-great-
grandchild, Oaklyn; many nieces, nephews, and caring friends.
Rita was born in Hector, Arkansas and raised around the Russellville area at a place called Crow Mountain. When she was young, she was a hard worker on the family farm. When she came of age, she
moved to Seattle, Washington and began working for Boeing as a riveter for the war effort where she helped put together many B-17 Superfortress bombers. Later, Rita moved to Lubbock, Texas and
met a man that was waiting to be discharged from the Army Air Corp. His name was Ernest Loomis. The two quickly fell in love and were married. She and Ernie moved to Kansas City, Missouri, and back to
Lubbock before purchasing a farm near Mountain Grove in 1949. There, she and Ernie settled down to raise a family, to farm, and to raise chickens. In 1967, they sold the farm and went into full-time
ministry, spreading the gospel of Christ in Kansas, Illinois, and Missouri. They served in this capacity for many years.
Rita was a faithful member of the church of Christ and was an active member of the Strafford, MO congregation when she passed. She and Ernie loved the Lord and spread the message of Christ wherever
they lived. Rita also enjoyed reading her Bible, enhancing her knowledge and faith in God.
When Rita had a little free time, in earlier years, she enjoyed piecing quilts and bed throws. She also enjoyed canning all the vegetables that Ernie brought in from the garden. In later years, she put together more than 200 jigsaw puzzles. Most importantly, Rita loved taking care of her family, giving them all her love. She was a loving and supportive wife, excellent homemaker, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, and dear friend. We celebrate her wonderful life and will always cherish the many happy memories she created.
Memorial donations may be made to the Apologetic Press and can be sent to the funeral home, P.O. Box 236 Hartville, Missouri 65667
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