Rita Ann Edmonson, age 70, passed away Tuesday, June 17th, 2025, at her home in Benton, Arkansas. She was born on Saturday, May 21st,1955, in Pocahontas, Arkansas to Everett and Corene Rutledge.

Rita is preceded in death by both of her parents; husband of 16 years, Bruce Edmonson, of Little Rock, Arkansas; and Mimi Howard, Mark's mother, of Benton, Arkansas.

She was a career city and state employee and retired from the Arkansas State Crime lab, where she worked as Purchasing Manager, Typing Pool Manager, and generally in the medical examiner's office.

Rita is survived by her loving fiancé of 18 years, Mark Howard and their Yorkie fur baby, Bruiser, both of Benton, Arkansas; her "sister," Becky Carlisle of Haskell, Arkansas; stepsons, Brandon Howard and Chelsey Stewart and their 3 year old son, Banks, of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Denton Howard of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and Keaton and McKenzie Howard and their 3 year old son, River, and 2 year old daughter, Norene, of Benton, Arkansas. Additionally, she is survived by Mark's brother, Scott, and his wife, Lainey, and their daughter, Brittney and Bryce Beverly and their children, Bianca and Lydia.

She is also survived by Matt and Annie Cavenar and their 4 year old son, Owen, and soon to be daughter, Cecilia, of Sherwood, Arkansas; Jeff and Cyndi Carlson of Benton, Arkansas, and their children, Trey Coates and fiancé, Kayla Millsaps, of Knoxville, Tennessee; Jackson and Haley Coates and their 4 year old daughter, Sawyer, and 1 year old son, Cooper, of Paducah, Kentucky; Reece Coates of Benton, Arkansas; Caroline Coates of Fayetteville, Arkansas; Blake and Laura McGinnis and their 14 year old son, Jack, and their 10 year old daughter, Katie, of Pocahontas, Arkansas; Devin and Stephanie Beard, and their 14 year old son, Raylan, and 12 year old daughter, Natalie, of White Hall, Arkansas.

Rita had known many close friends including Terry Gervasini, Phylis Davis, Claire Cooley, Garrett Brown, and several other close family and friends during her blessed lifetime here on earth. Rita and her mom loved The Toney Brothers gospel band and followed them around this part of the country avidly.

She was a devout Christian raised attending Elnora Baptist Church in Pocahontas and loved spending time in her Bible and praising and worshipping God! No doubt Rita is in heaven with her Lord and Savior!

Rita was known by many nicknames "Gwen Stefani", Aunt Rita and by far her favorite name, GAMMY. She could meet you once, and you would never forget her, she loved with her whole heart. Rita loved to do crafts (but never finish them), to play with her grandbabies (even when her back was hurting), and plant flowers in the yard. She was a huge Razorback fan! Woo Pig Sooie, GO HOGS!!! Rita touched the lives of many people and was loved dearly by everyone she met and will be missed by so many people.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 24th, 2025 from 1:30 P.M. to 2:30 P.M. with her Celebration of Life to follow from 2:30 P.M. to 3:30 P.M. at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home.

Please deliver floral arrangements directly to the funeral home by 12:00 P.M. on Tuesday. Office hours end at 4:00 P.M.