Rita Jo Terry (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Rita Jo Terry, daughter of Billy Joe and Betty Lou Decker Rogers, was born June 2, 1958, in Lebanon, Missouri. She departed this life Tuesday, October 29, 2019, in Specialty Select Hospital, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of sixty-one years, four months, and twenty-seven days.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and a grandson, Samuel Terry.
Rita is survived by a daughter, Heidi Whitten, of Lebanon, Missouri; three sons, Jacob Terry, and his wife, Jill, of Lebanon, Missouri, Benjamin Terry, and his wife, Yolanda, of Camdenton, Missouri, and Heath Terry, and his wife, Sarah, of Lebanon, Missouri; twelve grandchildren, Elizabeth, Benjamin, Caitlyn, Elijah, Jacob, McKeylie, Michael, Lilly, River, Samson, Jasmine, and Rose; three brothers, Allen Rogers, Billy Rogers, both of Lebanon, Missouri, and Chris Rogers, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; four sisters, Savannah Soliz, of Picayune, Mississippi, Brenda Crouch, of Lebanon, Missouri, Debbie Kasler, of Hobart, Oklahoma, and Lisa Bond, of Lebanon, Missouri; a number of nieces and nephews; the father of her children, James Terry, of Lebanon, Missouri; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
She was raised in California and Washington, and then moved with her family to Lebanon and Camdenton. For most of her adult years, she made her home in the Camdenton area and lovingly raised her children. She was a devoted homemaker to her husband and family and later did some home health work. For a brief time she lived in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, before moving to Lebanon in 2002.
Rita had made her profession of faith in Christ and was a member of the Lighthouse Ministry Center near Lebanon.
In her spare time she enjoyed sewing, quilting, and playing games like Cribbage, Yahtzee, and Rummy. She was an excellent cook and made the best baked beans. She always enjoyed having parties and holiday celebrations. Her greatest joy was making people happy. She loved her family dearly and especially enjoyed her grandchildren.
Rita was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and know that her family and friends will cherish the wonderful memories she created for them during her lifetime.
A memorial has been established to the family and contributions may be made through the funeral home.
What’s your fondest memory of Rita?
What’s a lesson you learned from Rita?
Share a story where Rita's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Rita you’ll never forget.
How did Rita make you smile?
