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Author: chastain
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Rita Jo WilliamsPassing: May 1, 2025

Service:

Chastain Funeral Home

Funeral Service

Tuesday, May 6th @ 10:30am

Visitation:

Chastain Funeral Home

Monday, May 5th @ 3:00pm-7:00pm

Tuesday, May 6th @ 9:30am-10:30am

Cemetery:

Mitchell Cemetery

Tuesday, May 6th

MITCHELL – Rita Jo Williams, 74, passed away Thursday, May 1, 2025, at IU Health Hospice House.

Born June 25, 1950, in Mitchell, she was the daughter of Raymond and Laverne (Brown) Mattix.  Rita married David “Dink” Williams on August 28, 1987 and he survives.

Rita retired from Lehigh Cement Company as a heavy equipment operator. She was a 1968 graduate of Mitchell High School and later earned her bachelor’s degree. Rita was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War and a member of American Legion Post No. 250. She attended Park Place Church of God. She enjoyed bowling, softball, shopping, swimming, and tending to her flowers. Rita loved being with her grandkids.

Surviving are her husband, David “Dink” Williams of Mitchell; son, Ryan Lee (Mariah) Roop of Mitchell; stepson, John M. (Brittany) Williams of Ft. Wayne; grandchildren, Kade Mattix Roop and Kamron Erik Roop; and sister, Becky Curtis of Bloomington.

Her parents and siblings, Mary Lou Powell, Alta Smith, Jim Mattix, and Bob Mattix, preceded her in death.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 6, in the Memorial Chapel of Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center with Pastor Cindy Maxwell officiating.  Military rites will be accorded by American Legion Post No. 250 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 9107.  Burial will be at Mitchell Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Monday and from 9:30 a.m. until the service on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorial Gifts: Shriners Hospitals for Children

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29 Guest Comments

  1. Guest: Barbara Baxter | Indianapolis, iN
    Date: May 13, 2025
    Rita was so easy to talk to. It was challenging to move from VA to Mitchelll when I was 12. Our generous Uncle Bob let us all move in a room and Rita would talk to me thru the window;, It made me feel welcomed and loved. She was compassionate, giving, strong & had a great smile and laugh(Mom did too-ALL her sisters shared that gift). I loved her snacks, that were in baggies. She loved her family wholeheartedly even our Doxie , Andre! Our prayers go out to David, Ryan& all the family. Because she knew Jesus, we will see her again!
  2. Guest: Michael Smith | Whitestown, Indiana
    Date: May 5, 2025
    To my aunt Rita,I will miss your positive nature and your energy! I love you, Mike Smith
  3. Guest: Scott Fields | Mitchell, IN
    Date: May 5, 2025
    R. David, my brother. My heart breaks for you under what I know is unthinkable pain at the loss of your soulmate. I am hoping that all of the good times in your memories can help carry you through the upcoming days and into the future. Rita was a great woman. Tough as they come. One of the hardest working people I was ever around. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Please pass on my condolences to Ryan and Mariah. I love you brother!! Peace, ~pete
  4. Guest: Patty Ashley Sanders | Bedford In
    Date: May 5, 2025
    So sorry to hear about Rita's passing the last time I seen her she and David came to mom's 80th B-day party sending prayers for the family
  5. Guest: Cindy Lee Poe | Campbellsburg In
    Date: May 5, 2025
    David i am so sorry to hear about the passing of your beautiful wife my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
  6. Guest: Jeffry Mills | Mitchell, Indiana
    Date: May 5, 2025
    Rita was such a sweet heart. My heart goes out to the family. Sure will miss her. Rita finally got her wings.
  7. Guest: Chuck, Dave & Diane Cooper | Mitchell
    Date: May 4, 2025
    Dave, may God give you the strength to move forward and always remember HE will sustain you in all things. Trust HIM. Chuck, Dave & Diane.
  8. Guest: Kathy Webster | Martinton
    Date: May 4, 2025
    You were such a blessing to Dave and the boys. We wish we had more time to know you better. Know that we will stay in touch with Dave. We always think of him as 'Fruit Basket Dave" You shall see the face of God and Live. The Webster's
  9. Guest: Tony & Diane Nugent | Mitchell
    Date: May 4, 2025
    Thanks for Your Service. Going to miss seeing you. Fly High Our Friend.
  10. Guest: Joe Goldsby | Mitchell, Indiana
    Date: May 4, 2025
    Rita was a very hard worker and dependable. I enjoyed talking and listening to her. I looked forward to seeing Rita and Dink after I retired. My thoughts go out to the family . Rip Rita.
  11. Guest: Jon Tomlinson | Saint Charles, MO
    Date: May 3, 2025
    Dink and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I have a lot of good memories working with you both at Lehigh. Prayers.
  12. Guest: kathleen bolton | Mitchell
    Date: May 3, 2025
    Dave, Buddy and I are so very sorry to hear of Rita's passing. She was always kind and we enjoyed visiting with both of you anytime we met. Our prayers continue to be with you and your family.
  13. Guest: Randal James Phelix | Mitchell
    Date: May 3, 2025
    Sincere Condolences Dink and to your family from Barbara and I . May God be all of you. We would have attended but at our NY home.
  14. Guest: Pat Rasnic | Indianapolis, IN
    Date: May 3, 2025
    I always had fun with Rita in high school. She was a great person. My thoughts and prayers are with your family!
  15. Guest: Ellen( Korki )TIncher lagenour | Bedford ind
    Date: May 3, 2025
    RIP Rita. To the family. Blessings n heartfelt condolences. Rita was a former classmate of 68 some great memories
  16. Guest: Susan Chastain Kay | Blaine, TN
    Date: May 3, 2025
    I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending much love to her family.
  17. Guest: Sandalee Jeffries | Mitchell
    Date: May 2, 2025
    I am so sorry for your loss Dave. My sincere condolences for you and all the family. Prayers
  18. Guest: Debbie Smith | San Diego, CA
    Date: May 2, 2025
    I am so incredibly sad that my precious aunt has passed. I have so many wonderful memories with her starting with walking to her house at age 10 to visit her. She was always in the yard working hard and always happy when I showed up unannounced! She would smile and quickly suggest going for a cheeseburger and fries, her favorites. Through the years it was Rita I could rely on to help me with my latest task-removing that awful tree branch, carrying that horribly heavy furniture for me- Rita would always do it:) I knew she would always help me❤ I loved our trips in San Diego, Cancun and Indianapolis. She was easygoing and not hard to please. Rita was one of only a few who listened to the pure agony in my voice when my mom passed away. I would tell her over and over you just can’t leave. I just hate it that my aunt is gone. I hate it for David, and all the rest…my heart aches for them knowing what a hole her absence leaves. But in that sadness and grief, there is freedom knowing Rita believed in salvation. We who choose to accept this gift as so many in her family have will be with her again. She’s working diligently on all those bright colorful flowers in the garden. Love and prayers to my family.❤✝ I am praying for you all…
  19. Guest: Michael "Jordan" Wheelock | Bedford, Indiana
    Date: May 2, 2025
    Dink, my brother, I am so very sorry for your loss. I hope God grants you solace in knowing your wife is in his eternal glory and he comforts you as you mourn. I am so sorry my friend.
  20. Guest: Neal and Jackie | Mitchell In
    Date: May 2, 2025
    Dave I have no words. Rita and I go way back to the beginning of softball and bowling. Spent many weekends together playing in tournaments. I am so so sorry. Neal and I are here for you in every way. We love you. Prayers for you and the family.
  21. Guest: Chris & Cheri Mannix | Mitchell, Indiana
    Date: May 2, 2025
    Thoughts and Prayers to you Brother Dave and all your family. Maniac and Cheri
  22. Guest: John Hardman | Bloomington, In
    Date: May 2, 2025
    Dave, Sorry to see this! Dee Duncan told me about it this morning when I saw him! There is nothing I can say to make your pain and sorrow any less, believe me I know! We will all suffer grief sometime in our lives and it is never the same for any two people! You have my deepest sympathy and please know that if you need to have someone to talk to I am available! In loving friendship! John
  23. Guest: Mike and Rita Ramey | Bedford, IN
    Date: May 2, 2025
    David, so sorry to hear about Rita, thought a lot of her, from gym class, to GAA, had lots of fun!! Prayers for you and your family. Rita and Mike Ramey
  24. Guest: Phyllis Mundy | Mitchell, IN
    Date: May 2, 2025
    Rita & I were classmates & we graduated together in 1968. She was a sweet person, also always to help. She will be missed. Prayers for the family. Phyllis Watterson Mundy
  25. Guest: Donna Pace Hart | Indianapolis Indiana
    Date: May 2, 2025
    Dave and family. I’m so sorry to hear about Rita. Find memories of her during softball. Prayers. Donna Pace
  26. Guest: Cindy Miller | Mitchell, IN
    Date: May 2, 2025
    So sorry to see Rita has passed. I just saw her a few weeks ago and we talked about the softball days. Prayers for her family 🙏🏻
  27. Guest: Suzi Connell Wilson | Bedford, Indiana
    Date: May 2, 2025
    Rita was always a good MHS friend to me. She will be missed. My sincere condolences.
  28. Guest: Shonda | Bedford, IN
    Date: May 2, 2025
    I loved seeing Rita smile every week at church. She loved my kids as if they were her own grandkids. She was such a beautiful person. I love you so much Rita. Dave you are in my thoughts! I love you
  29. Guest: Keely Thomas | Grove City, OH
    Date: May 2, 2025
    To Rita’s Family, I’m so sorry on the passing of Rita. My thoughts and prayers are with you all! I played softball with Rita years ago. Rita was a great player and always made me laugh. Always enjoyed being around her.I salute her as an Army Veteran and know she is home with the Lord.

Phone: (812) 849-2600 | Fax: (812) 849-3323 | email: services@chastainfuneralhome.com

Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center