705 W. Warren Street | (812) 849-2600 |

Rita Jean HancockPassing: September 21, 2023

Service:

No Service

Visitation:

No Visitation

Cemetery:

No Burial

MITCHELL – Rita Hancock died on September 21, 2023, three days shy of her birthday. Her final days were spent surrounded by family and friends who lovingly walked her home.

Rita is survived by her only son, Darrell Myers; her daughter-in-law, Heidi; granddaughter Addie; grandsons Hunter and Camden; and brother, Dennis Wayne Hancock and his wife Bell. Rita loved to share stories about her hardworking son and daughter-in-law and her talented, smart grandchildren.

Rita’s parents, Wayne David & Marilynn Jean Hancock, preceded her in death. Her first granddaughter, Grace Myers, also preceded her in death.

Rita loved two things — her family and her pets. She rescued the biggest, furriest, flawed dogs and gave them life when others had given up on them. She became a board member of the White River Humane Society and volunteered many hours transporting animals that needed care and helping out as needed.

A hard worker her entire life often working two jobs just to keep the lights on, she made life-long friends at the many places she worked throughout Monroe and Lawrence County, including Carpenter Body Works, Cook Medical, Ruler IGA, P.R.D., Pets Alive and AKKA Plastics.

In honor of her life, Rita requested that anyone who wants to offer kindness in the form of a donation should consider White River Humane Society’s building fund at https://whiteriverhumanesociety.org/new-building or send donations to P.O. Box 792 Bedford, IN 47421, indicating Rita Hancock in the memo line.

To leave the world a better place than you found it is a life well-lived. And in the end, Rita did just that. She will be greatly missed by her loving family, who was by her side as she took her last breath, by those who were fortunate to have known her, and by all the cats and dogs that were given a chance at life because she was here — and she mattered. Per her final requests, a private ceremony for the family will be held.

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14 Guest Comments

  1. Guest: Larry Hancock | Sandborn. Indiana
    Date: September 30, 2023
    Darrell n Heidi, We are sorry to hear of Rita's passing. We have many good memories from our youth. Rita always stuck up for herself and didn't scare easily. We didn't see her often, but sure will miss her. Larry n Linda Hancock
  2. Guest: Gretchen King | Mitchell, IN
    Date: September 26, 2023
    I am so sorry for your loss! Rita was always so nice and a good friend to my mom. I remember her telling me about her daughter-in -law (Heidi) being pregnant (with Camden) during the festival in 2005. I was pregnant with Abe at that time. Prayers of comfort and peace for your family
  3. Guest: Becky Gibbs | Bloomington, Indiana
    Date: September 25, 2023
    Worked with her at Cook Medical. She was a special lady that brought lots of laughter.
  4. Guest: Boog Powell | Petersburg Indiana
    Date: September 24, 2023
    Darrell and family, so sorry for your loss. When I heard of your mom's passing, my mind immediately went to baseball. We were a tight knit group for sure. That group of moms sure took care of us. None of them missed a thing and always had our backs, from Biddy League all the way thru High School. Rita was a very proud momma. Continued thoughts and prayers for you Darrell. 🙏
  5. Guest: Teresa Lovell | BEDFORD
    Date: September 23, 2023
    I am sorry to hear of Rita's passing. When our paths crossed.. she spoke of her family with much love and joy.We shared a common fondness for Kentucky basketball and often were convinced at the end of our conversations that the only missing piece for a national championship was our combined knowledge and our addition to the coaching staff.. She brought kindness and laughter to each talk..My condolences to all . The sky just became more blue.
  6. Guest: Suzi Connell Wilson | Bedford, IN
    Date: September 23, 2023
    My most sincere condolences. She was a kind, fun person.
  7. Guest: Reggie Joslin | Bedford
    Date: September 22, 2023
    I had the pleasure knowing Rita since I moved to Lawrence County in 1990. She was a terrific person and dearly loved her son and family. She was a hard worker and always sacrificed for her family. She was encouraging and always had a smile. She will be missed by all, but she made this world a better place. Cheri and I will continue to have the family in our prayers 🙏! God bless. Reggie and Cheri Joslin
  8. Guest: Jonnie Yenne | Sandborn IN
    Date: September 22, 2023
    I'm so sorry for your loss, I knew Rita all my life she was a wonderful person. Prayers for the family.
  9. Guest: Michelle R Henderson | Lexington
    Date: September 22, 2023
    I knew Rita through my Dad working at the Humane Society. She visited Dad often and that didn't go unnoticed. She is missed and Loved by many.
  10. Guest: Brenda Roark | Vincennes, IN
    Date: September 22, 2023
    Rita was a fellow classmate of my husband’s at Sandborn School and then North Knox HS. I was two years behind then in school. Rita was someone who made many friends from an early age with her outgoing personality and hilarious sense of humor. Plus, she later extended her circle of beloved family and friends to include canine family members. All were so fortunate. Our sincere condolences to her son and family, Brenda and Dan Roark
  11. Guest: Marty Mathews | Solsberry, Indiana
    Date: September 22, 2023
    Sitting behind home plate @ Bart Kaufman Field watching a 14 inning Fall Ball Base Ball game-Hoosiers vs Indiana State. While sitting here with States uniform, blue and white, I can’t help but remember my memories I made, sharing my extra season tix, with our friend and fellow employee and her Grandson, Rita Hancock. The uniforms remind me of the Kentucky Wild Cats; Rita was a die heart fan of KY in all sports. RIP Rita
  12. Guest: Jill Morse | Mitchell, IN
    Date: September 22, 2023
    I first met Rita playing softball. I was lucky enough to “meet” her again when she enrolled Darrell in kindergarten. He was her pride and joy. She would’ve done anything for him. She was a very hard worker all her life. I was blessed to have been Darrell’s kindergarten teacher. She never missed any kind of school function. She was a great “room parent”. Any time I would run into Rita over the years, we picked up right where we had left off. Rita was a great lady. She was so proud of Darrell and the beautiful family he has. She would proudly tell you, “I have the best son, daughter-in-law and grandkids”. You will be missed, friend. I know you’ll take good care of all the fur babies in Heaven. 💗
  13. Guest: Cindy Miller | Mitchell, Indiana
    Date: September 22, 2023
    Rita and I met at Carpenters and we stayed friends from that point on. We had a lot of good times over the years and she will certainly be missed. She was very proud of Darrell, Heidi and their kids, She would brag on them every time I talked with her and rightly so. Like Darrell said, she was a hard worker and did what she needed to do to keep everything going. Prayers for Darrell and his family during this most difficult time.
  14. Guest: Randy and Jackie Grimes | Salem
    Date: September 22, 2023
    Sending prayers and condolences 🙏 to Rita's family and friends..what great times we had working together at Carpenters and for a short time being neighbors. Rita was a wonderful person. She will be missed.