of Helena-West Helena, AR
December 16, 1949 - April 6, 2020
Rita Crabb Deleo, 70, died in her sleep in her TV chair on April 6, 2020. A life-long Helena resident, Rita, a 1968 Helena-West Helena Central High School graduate, was a recipient of the DAR Good Citizenship Award. She attended Arkansas State University as a student of distinction and in 1972 received her Bachelor's Degree in Social Studies. Thereafter, she taught for a quarter of a century in the Marianna Public Schools, in both middle and high school.
The second child of Clifton and Juanita Crabb, she patiently endured the myriad mischiefs of a trio of brothers: Gerry, Bill, and Alan Crabb.
As a young woman, while working part-time at the Phillips County Library, she met her future husband, Frank, a frequent visitor to the library. Some years later Rita would ask Frank to pair with her as chaperones at the Marianna high school's spring prom. Ten years later, in 2002, the now retired social studies teacher, and he, the retired postal carrier and Vietnam veteran, tied the knot.
Rita's wide-ranging personal interests had included gardening, reading mysteries, and vigorous exercising. A life-long movie buff, she enjoyed challenging others with such Hollywood trivia as: ''Name all the actors in the 1944 film Arsenic and Old Lace.'' She, of course, with alacrity, could triumphantly list for you that film's entire cast.
Rita was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer in 2006. In fact, so rare, that the West Clinic of Memphis made her a case study with a bevy of interns coming into her room ''all the time''. Finally, after five years of brave struggle, she was declared cancer-free. During such stressful times, she longed for the comfort of cinnamon toast with hot chocolate, an early childhood salve first administered by her beloved Aunt Hedy.
Empathetic to a fault to the sufferings of both man and beast, she could never turn away from the mewling stray cat or the needy knock at the door. Always generous, she once paid for all of the expenses of a great niece's mission trip to Guatemala.
Devastated at the death of her Himalayan cat, Simon, a feline companion of several years, she insisted on keeping his cremains on a desk, nearby, in a cat-shaped urn.
Rita valued all of the friendships in her life, but her bonds of affection were particularly strong for Leola Atchison, Carolyn Ann Echols, Jo Ann Owens, and Gladys Stringer.
As her family mourns her leave-taking, they take solace in a Hank Williams' lyric: ''On a stone, these words were written-- Your Soul is God's, your Memory mine.''
Due to guidelines issued from the federal government and the Center for Disease Control it is recommended that gatherings should not exceed 10 people; therefore, at this time we will not be posting funeral dates and times in order to limit the risk of spreading COVID-19. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Services are being handled by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870) 572-2571.
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59 Condolence(s)
Vincent Pittman
Wednesday, April 22, 2020
Frank we are so sorry for your loss. We know she was the love of your life. I had the pleasure of attending school with Rita for many years and she was very sweet. I also would like to say to Rita's family how we are saddened by her passing .
Kevin Cunningham
Monday, April 20, 2020
I am sorry for the family lost. I have known Rita most of my life. She was very special person.
jim mayer
Sunday, April 12, 2020
Frank i am so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. You are a special member of C.E. Mayer's favorite young men he liked you so much. Jim Diane Marla Caren Adam Clarence Maxine Ruth Mayer
Francis and Linda Fernicola
Sunday, April 12, 2020
Frank, we’re sorry to hear about Rita’s death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Poss & Linda
Hester Branscomb
Sunday, April 12, 2020
Robernetta Ferrell
Saturday, April 11, 2020
One of my favorite teachers. She shared a lot of stories together. I always talk about her to my daughter when we are discussing her civics class at school.
My condolences to the family and prayers for strength and healing.
Renata McKelvin
Saturday, April 11, 2020
Recently I was just talking about Ms. Crabb to coworkers. I'll never forget I was acting out in her class,then later kicked out! I loved her and she was always so nice! She will always be remembered and loved....My condolences to the family
Renata McKelvin
Saturday, April 11, 2020
Recently I was just talking about Ms. Crabb to coworkers. I'll never forget I was acting out in her class,reciting lines from Color Purple. Me and another classmates were sent to the office. We loved her and she was always so nice! She will always be remembered and loved....
Rhonds Webb
Saturday, April 11, 2020
Mrs. Rita was always the sweetest teacher. Even when you have not seen here in a long time. She remembered me an my sister. She sure had the biggest heart.
Kimberly Beanum
Friday, April 10, 2020
You will truly be missed. A great teacher my condolences to your family
Kimberly Appleby
Friday, April 10, 2020
My Condolences to the family she was my 9th grade teacher. Ms.Crab was so caring and compassionate of her students she will be missed.💜💜💜💜💜💕💕💕💕💕
Ida Gill
Friday, April 10, 2020
I am so sorry of Rita's passing. God bless you and family and I pray you will be comforted by His presence.
Tona Mills
Friday, April 10, 2020
Gerry and Family: I am so sorry to hear about Rita. May God bless you and give you comfort.
Frances Brown
Friday, April 10, 2020
May you rest in please I knew you as the beautiful young teacher never knew where you went and now there you are keep smiling and rest in peace my prayers with the family
Adrianne Jarrett
Friday, April 10, 2020
I had the honor of being a student of Mrs.Crabb at Lee Senior High many mant years ago. She was one of ths most caring and loving teachers ever. RIL
Mary Foreman
Friday, April 10, 2020
I yield my heartfelt prayers and condolences for the family of such a bright spirit as the woman I remember as Ms. Crabb. I pray that you be conforted and strengthened during the transition.
Lennett Proctor
Friday, April 10, 2020
Mrs Crabb was an amazing teacher and such a beautiful person inside and out it was a pleasure being one of her many students she will truly be missed,RIP.
Lanny Martin
Friday, April 10, 2020
She was a caring person, and an inspiring teacher. My condolences to her family.
Lisa A Humbert
Friday, April 10, 2020
My condolences to the family. Ms. Crabb was my 6th grade social studies teacher..A very kind lady with a big heart. Rest on wonderful angel.
Sandra Brady
Friday, April 10, 2020
My Condolences from the Class 88. Lee Sr High
James Dodd
Thursday, April 9, 2020
I am James M. Dodd. Mrs. Crabb thought me civics and was an amazing teacher and human. I am grateful for the life lessons she instilled in me as an educator. My prayers are with her family! She made a remarkable impact in the world of education.
Denise Nelson
Thursday, April 9, 2020
I use to call her the red head Cher, I love you Mrs Crab you will never be forgotten. You will always be in my heart.
Denise Nelson
Thursday, April 9, 2020
I use to call her the red head Cher, I love you Mrs Crab you will never be forgotten. You will always be in my heart.
Geneva Appleby-Jones
Thursday, April 9, 2020
My deepest condolences to the family. I was a student of Mrs. Crabb in high school. A beautiful lady with a beautiful spirit.
Crystal and Don eastman
Thursday, April 9, 2020
Frank and family, Don and I are so sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers.
Cecilia Baker
Thursday, April 9, 2020
Thoughts and prayers to the family. I worked with Rita at Lee. Had many conversations with her after school. Sleep in Heavenly peace Rite.ðŸ™ðŸ™ðŸ™ðŸŒ¹ðŸŒ¹
Roenna Gilmore-Mitchell
Thursday, April 9, 2020
Mrs Crabb was my teacher and a great one she was, she will be truly missed.
Cynthia Barrow
Thursday, April 9, 2020
Ms. Crabbs was one of my favorite teachers, always kind, always smiling, she will be greatly missed.
Dr. Kellee Mitchell Farris
Thursday, April 9, 2020
My deepest condolences on the passing of Ms. Crabb Delco. She was one of my favorite teachers in high school. Her lessons in Civics started my love for politics and understanding the government. She was very caring and outgoing, I know she will be greatly missed by all.
Bernice Marshall
Thursday, April 9, 2020
My condolences and prayers for the family! I had the pleasure of working alone side Rita at Anna Strong Middle School in Marianna, Arkansas. She always carried herself in a manner that you couldn’t do anything but admire her beautiful smile. Rest in love Rita.ðŸ™ðŸ½ðŸ™ðŸ½ðŸ™ðŸ½
Shamika Arnold
Thursday, April 9, 2020
She was a very nice teacher at Lee Senior High School in Marianna Arkansas! Fly High
Elatrice
Thursday, April 9, 2020
Rest on!!! One of the best teachers I had.
Abbye Hall Wages
Thursday, April 9, 2020
She was such a joy to have as a teacher. She was such an encouraging teacher and cared about her students. Mrs. Crabb had such a precious heart.
Deborah Austin
Thursday, April 9, 2020
Rest in Heavenly Peace. She was one of my favorite teachers. May God keep your family during this time of sorrow.
Ellen Parket
Thursday, April 9, 2020
Such a precious lady. One of the best teachers ever. Prayers for for family.
Michelle Stone
Thursday, April 9, 2020
Ms. Crabb was my 9th grade Civics teacher. Her class was one of my favorite classes because she was such a great teacher with a kind heart. I credit her along with other great teachers who helped develop my love for Social Studies.
Angel Whalen
Thursday, April 9, 2020
Mrs. Crabb was an awesome teacher with a very kind spirit. I’m very blessed to have been her student. May Mrs. Crabb Rest in Roses 🌹.
Shellie Poe
Thursday, April 9, 2020
Sorry for the families loss. Mrs. Crabb was a very sweet and caring teacher. Love her.
Nada DeSalvo
Thursday, April 9, 2020
May Rita go from strength to strength in God's tender care. I taught with Rita at Lee High School for many years. She was a caring teacher and knowledgeable her social studies classes.
Amy Curl
Thursday, April 9, 2020
Mrs. Crabb was one of my favorite teachers. She was a very sweet and caring person. So sorry for the family’s loss. Prayers for peace during this time.
Jeanette (Dilks) Cole
Thursday, April 9, 2020
Mrs.Crabb was one of the kindest ladies and absolutely one of my favorite teachers I've ever had. She had a had a heart of gold.
Pamela Boone
Thursday, April 9, 2020
May your soul rip. Mrs Crabb you will be missed. My 7th grade Teacher
Pamela Boone
Thursday, April 9, 2020
May your soul rip. Mrs Crabb you will be missed. My 7th grade Teacher
Karen Blakley
Thursday, April 9, 2020
My deepest sympathies to the family. Mrs. Rita was one of my favorite teachers in high school. She was always very kind. She will be deeply missed.
Sherry Miller
Thursday, April 9, 2020
Oh my heart grieves with you for Rita. Gerry, Bill, Alan, & Barbara and Frank. May you be comforted & surrounded by family, friends , & memories all sheltered by the love of God, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, & the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Gerry, you did a beautiful obituary..
Hugs,
Sherry
Angela WARD
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Mrs. Rita was my civics teacher at Lee High School. She was very kind to her students. Years later, I had the priviledge of being a nurse to this wonderful lady. She became a dear friend and patient that continued to brighten my days. Mr.Frank you are in my prayers.
Ruby Richardson Mckinney
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
So very sorry for the loss of your sister. Juanita and my mom
Ila May Richardson Miller where dear friends. Worked at Bobbie Brooks together for many years.
May God be close with yall during this time and days to come.ðŸ™ðŸ»
Betty Maglecic
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Bill, Alan, Diane, Gerry and Barbara, my heart breaks with yours at the passing of Rita. Praying for your hearts to be comforted by our Lord. I know how hard it is to lose your sister, treasure your memories. Love and prayers for all.
Trudy and Kelly Pearson
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
A beautiful tribute. To Frank, Gerry, Barbara, and other family, may you feel God's peace.
Loyce Corbitt
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Frank and Family
WE are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Loyce Summerhill Corbitt
Peggy Summerhill Henson
Mary W Metts
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
So sorry for your loss, Frank. She was a wonderful classmate.
Leslie R Chin
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
I’ve known Rita since childhood and have always seen her as a kind and sweet person. My condolences to Bill and Gerry and their families.
Alana
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
I only got to see & meet you once, but I'm glad I did and I will remember your sweet smile and kind spirit. Rest in peace & may the Father in heaven take care of everyone here that will miss you dearly. Love you Aunt Rita!
Lynette Burt Murphy
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Bill and family,
I am so sorry to see the loss of Rita. Such a lovely person. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Janie Scaife
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Debby King
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
This is such a beautiful obituary for a lovely person. Both Frank and Rita are two of the nicest people anyone could ever meet. I send my thoughts and prayers to her family.
Michele Sellers
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Although I did not know Ms Rita I do want to say I am very sorry for your loss. May the Good Lord wrap each of you in His loving embrace and give you peace and comfort in this time of your loss.
TINA L FISHER
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Sorry for your loss! As a former student of "Miss Crabb" I enjoyed her classes. I have thought about her often when I think of my junior high years. Sending prayers.
karen byrd lavender
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Bill, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers are sent to your family.