Rita Lou Hawthorne

Rita Lou Hawthorne
August 12, 1937 –
December 1, 2024
Loved and loving. These are the best words to describe Rita Lou Hawthorne, who passed away on December 1, 2024.
Rita’s love for Jesus and her family and friends was evident in every aspect of her life. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Married to her sweetheart, Charles Fred Hawthorne, for nearly 65 years, Rita’s life was filled with love, joy, and unwavering faith.
As her children, we were truly blessed to call her Mom. She taught us to love Jesus, to value the importance of family, and to greet each day with a purpose and a positive outlook. Through her guidance, we learned how to navigate this beautiful journey of life, always knowing that faith and love would see us through.
Rita leaves behind her children: Greg (Peggy) Hawthorne Holden, MO, Kellie (Troy) Montgomery of Parkville, MO and Julie (Paul) Wilson of Columbia, MO; six grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
She will be deeply missed by her church family and friends, all of whom were touched by her kindness and warmth. We take comfort in knowing that she was welcomed into the Lord’s open arms and is surrounded by those who preceded her.
Born on August 12, 1937, to Hadley and Delphia Villines in Ponca, Arkansas, Rita was blessed with four brothers and two sisters. She married into a large extended family, including many nieces and nephews who fondly called her “Aunt Rita.”
Rita will be laid to rest beside her husband Fred in the spring, when the flowers are blooming and the birds are singing—just as she would have loved.
We are deeply grateful to all who stopped by, shared coffee and cards, brought dinner, and shared a laugh or story with Rita. Your kindness brought her so much joy and truly meant the world to her.
In loving memory of Rita Lou Hawthorne, who will forever be loved and missed.