of Conway, AR
July 8, 1954 - April 6, 2025
"For the first time in years, Rita Jo Gipson is without suffering and is running freely, directly into the arms of Jesus. Her life was led by faith a light of expansion for the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. Her faith was an identity she wore boldly yet humbly. She was always on mission, often found reading her Bible and giving generously, though never making it known.
Rita, 70, passed away on Sunday, April 6, 2025, surrounded by family at her home in Conway, AR, following a long illness. She was born to the late James "Andy" and Mary Lue Allen on July 8, 1954, in Hattieville, AR.
She met the love of her life, Ted, at a church service in Jerusalem, AR. Ted and Rita celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on May 11, 2024. Together, they served on-staff and as house parents at the Southern Christian Home in Morrilton, AR, impacting the lives of countless youth in need for more than a decade. She worked at Adams Eye Care in Morrilton, AR, followed by 16 years as one of Hendrix University's most beloved employees, retiring in 2017.
Rita is survived by Ted; their children, April Toll (Phillip) and Ben Gipson (Robin); her siblings, Mary Ann Fowler, Evelyn Spann (Dee), Paul David Allen, Gloria Seward (Danny); and her grandchildren, Drake, Landon and Lila Toll, Jaden McNair (Matthew), Ava and Ezra Gipson.
Preceded in death by siblings Lola Ulry, Benton Allen Sr. and Judy Freeman, Rita held her family close and loved them each deeply.
A faithful member of Robinson and Center Church of Christ, Rita's visitation will be held on-site Wednesday, April 9 at 2 p.m. with funeral services to follow. Tim Stroud will lead worship and Minister Steve Norris will deliver a message of remembrance. Flowers can be sent to Robinson and Center Church of Christ and will be donated to the church in Rita's name.
Rita would not have her celebration of life complete without emphasizing that, through a relationship with Jesus Christ, all can one day be alongside her again inside the gates of Heaven, singing beautifully at His feet."
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35 Condolence(s)
Angie Swain
Saturday, April 26, 2025
My sweet Rita, I am so sorry to hear this. You were one of the kindest souls I have ever met. I will miss you my dear friend. My prayers are with your family.
Susanna Aich
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
My condolences on your loss! Mrs. Rita was a wonderful women. I enjoyed getting to know her. I am sad to hear of her passing!
Hilary
Friday, April 11, 2025
I loved seeing Rita’s smile every time I walked into her office as a student & then employee at Hendrix. She truly brightened anyone’s day that came into contact with her.
Felipe Pruneda Senties
Friday, April 11, 2025
Rita was one of the first people I spoke to at Hendrix when I was hired over ten years ago, and the college could not have put forward a better first impression. The thing is, it was not just a first impression, because she was always a wonderful presence. My deepest condolences.
Andrea Newsom
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
My deepest condolences to your family. I worked with Rita for 8 years at Hendrix and every day she brought joy and a smile with her. Her heart and soul went into everything she did, and she will truly be missed.
Leslie Fermo (Hanna)
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
So sorry to hear of Rita's passing but rejoicing with you all as she is now in the place she lived to get to. No more tears.
Lois Higgins
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Ted -I'm so sorry to hear about Rita's passing. There were some good times we had together in the R&C seniors group. My prayers are with you and the family.
Crystal Williamson
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
My deepest condolences to Rita's family. I worked with Rita for years at Hendrix College. She was always a gentle, kindhearted person and a pure joy to work with. May she rest in peace.
Joyce (Nellis) Briscoe
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
She was a very sweet lady and she will be missed
Randy and Janice Schow
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Our love and care and prayers are with you, Ted, April, Ben, and all of the family. Rita was one of the most beautiful godly sisters we’ve ever known. Her light always shined. Her gentle and quiet ways, and her gracious words were evidence of God’s Spirit in her. We wish we could have had one last visit, but we’re thankful for the times we had. Much love.
Lindell &Marie Roberts
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Wishing the family peace. You are in my prayers.
Michelle Fawcett
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Prayers for u and ur family Mrs Gloria may he wrap his arms around u in this time of need
Christy Coker
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Rita,
The world was a much better place with you in it. Fly like the angel you truly are. You will be missed.
Dorothy Yeager
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Love you sweet sister and will meet you again as I can hear you singing praises to our God! Ted we always enjoyed your lessons and friendship while we lived on the mountain and she is seeing Ratis now and we will meet them later. Rita was such a special Christian lady and we always treasured your encouragement and influence on our lives !
Valerie Bevill
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Dear cousins, I will always remember your precious sister. Rita Jo always spoke softly. Her smile and gentle demeanor much like your whole family.
Her strawberry blonde hair always made me know we were related.
She will be missed by many. ( hugs) to my family. Wish I could be there to hug you in person. God bless you with peace and comfort. Much Love, Valerie
Joe - Brenda Sensabaugh
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Our heart and prayers are with you all in the loss of your beautiful Rita. May God bless you all with his amazing grace.
Charlene Sivia
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
My dear sweet college roommate! I always thought I would get over to see u! I so loved our time together in college. Your love for the Lord was always clear! Rest in peace, ur free of pain and hope to see you one day at the feet of Jesus!
Bob henderson
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
sorry to hear of Rita passing prayers for Teddy and Family
Pam Hager
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
A true Angel. I had the pleasure of working with her at Hendrix. Never met a finer Lady. Rest High my friend, I know you are pain free with no worries. Prayers. to Ted, Ben and April. To have known you was to Love you.
De Ann Zimmerman Huett
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
If Rita gave you her beautiful smile, you were truly blessed. I have fond memories of her time at Hendrix, and I’ll always remember Rita’s light. I send my love and prayers to all her friends and family.
Gina Goad
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
I worked with Rita for 16 years at Hendrix College. She was a truly good person. She never had a bad word to say about anyone. And, she had a smile that always made me glad to see her.
Maria Scroggins
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
My sweet Rita. From the 1st day of school in 1st grade we were always best friends. More like family. I will always hold all of our precious memories in my heart . Even though our paths took us separate directions I have always told everyone you are my Best friend. All my love and prayers to Ted April And Ben. You have earned your wings my sweet Friend. Love you forever....
Juan & Rheta Perez
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
My dear cousin, we are so sorry for the loss of your beautiful wife. May she, through the mercy of G-d, rest in peace.
Ginny Beck Nelson
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Gid bless you all in your loss! Rita was a classmate at Wonderview and a good friend for many years. I remember her sweet smile, gentle countenance and love for everyone. Her great faith was always evident in her life. Many prayers for the family and friends!
Joey Palmer
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
She was a special lady ! May God bless
Connie upchurch poole
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Very sorry for your loss may god bless her and her family
Michelle Clairday Tindall
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of Rita's passing! She was a precious soul that always had a smile and hug when she saw me. I am saddened to hear of her passing but know where she is celebrating with our Lord and Savior. I am praying for the family!
Michelle
Rynnett Clark
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Rita was such a kind, gentle spirit. I enjoyed the opportunity to get to know her when she worked at Hendrix. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Christy Coker
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Rita,
The world was a much better place with you in it. Fly like the angel you truly are. You will be missed.
Mary Jane Norman
Monday, April 7, 2025
Amazing co-worker and friend you were Rita..I will always love you.
Joyce & John Christopher
Monday, April 7, 2025
Dear Ted and Family, we are so sorry for your loss. All are in our thoughts and prayers for comfort and peace during this difficult time. Rita was a very kind and special person.
Paula J Prislovsky
Monday, April 7, 2025
Prayers for your family during this most difficult time
Bridgette Gray
Monday, April 7, 2025
Rita was an angel in life and now she has her real wings. She was a wonderful lady and I was blessed to know her. God bless you for your loss. She will be greatly missed.
Mike Gibbs
Monday, April 7, 2025
Prayers for the family.
Dana Villines
Monday, April 7, 2025
I’m very sorry for your loss. May God bless her family & comfort you