BENTON — Rita Caradine Rich,

93, of Benton, was born on June 2, 1929, and passed away on April 19, 2023. She grew up in Haskell, Ark.

Rita married Doyle Rich in 1948 and they had three boys, David, Ronnie, and Bruce. She loved them all very much.

She completed her education after her three boys were born, which was a feat in itself. She received a Master’s of Science from UCA and taught at Benton Junior High School before becoming a Guidance Counselor at Benton High School. She loved her job and the kids she taught and counseled. There she met her best friend, Cookie Brown. She and Cookie were always “on the road”.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Doyle; sons, David and Ronnie; her parents, Bill and Lillie Caradine; her brother, Buddy; and her sister, Nancy Pierson.

Rita is survived by her son, Bruce (whom she adored) and wife, Karen; her sister, Lisa Lawson; her brother, Jim Caradine; her granddaughters, Denise (Brent) Whittington and Nicole (D.J. Noland) Rich; her great-grandchildren, Makenna, and Nash Whittington; Caleb, Pierce, and Bella Noland. Oh how she loved those great-grands! She is also survived by her nephews, Scott Lawson and Randy Pierson; and niece, Cissy Brown; great-nephew, Nathan Lawson.

We will all miss our mom, sister, aunt, and Nana. She was a constant in all our lives. Enjoy Heaven, Nana, we love you!

Graveside services by Ashbys will be 1 p.m. Saturday at New Rosemont Cemetery in Benton.

Visitation will be at Ashbys, Friday, 6-8 p.m.

Memorials may be made to CJOHN, Benton, Ark., or Hospice Home Care, 2220 South Bowman Road, Little Rock, Ark. 72205. Online guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.