Rita Marie Ferguson, 65 years young, died unexpectedly in her brand-new home on October 17, 2024. Rita was “Mimi” to her grandchildren, “Queenie” to her long-time friends, and much loved in her hometown.

Rita was born in Mexico on February 7, 1959, a second daughter for Earnie and Shirley Ferguson, and little sister to big sister Sharon. Rita was named after her mother’s sister, Aunt Rita and her parents brought her home to Centralia, where her father, and his father before him, had built a life.

Growing up, Rita is remembered as “that” girl, beautiful, sweet and daring. She wore her long, brown hair parted in the middle and surrounded herself with good friends who would become friends for life. Rita’s mother, Shirley, was a “war bride” from England and Rita and her sister, Sharon, were raised surrounded by grace, manners, teapots and blooms.

Rita attended Centralia schools, graduating high school in 1977. After school, Rita went to work and in 1979, her daughter, Amber Jo, was born. Amber’s little sister, Jentri Marie followed in 1982, making Rita’s heart complete.

In 1991, Rita left her hometown and moved to Columbia, taking a job at the University of Missouri in the payroll department. Rita was a single mother, who made sacrifices to ensure her children grew up grounded and cared for. She showed up, she made do, and she made sure her girls knew that they were the center of her world.

Over the years, Rita watched her parents grow old and saw the mental and physical challenges they faced. In 2013, Rita moved back to Centralia to a little white house behind the house where she grew up. Every morning, Rita would check on her parents before work and come home at night to make them dinner. Finally, after twenty-six years, Rita left her job at the University to be there for her parents full time, eventually moving in with them. Rita was the one her mother called out to in the night, the one her father counted on every day. Rita was the one that mowed their yard and cooked their meals and cared for them without complaint, cherishing the time she had with them.

All her life Rita surrounded herself with good people. Childhood friends, work friends and two eclectic circles of friends called “the Wenches” and “the Piggies”. The Wenches were travel partners, Lake buddies, and secret keepers. The Piggies played Pig Out every Thursday, listened to music, and solved all the world’s problems. Rita was her best self with these women who will forever tell her stories and say her name.

Rita was known to be the giving person, the one who showed up without asking, just when you needed her the most. She was a renowned baker gifting those around her with egg rolls, cinnamon pastries, and if you looked like you needed it, a shot of whiskey or cup of tea. Rita was heavily influenced by her prim and proper English mother, always wearing her makeup, her jewelry, and her good manners. Flowers bloomed in Rita’s yard and her hair was always the way it should be. When her lipstick was on, Rita was ready, beautiful inside and out.

Rita loved to travel and crossed the ocean many times to visit her mother’s family in England, finding her history and a passion for Fruit Pastels and Crunchies. She also had such good memories of the beach, Las Vegas, and her many trips to Hawaii. Rita looked forward to a road trip with friends to shop, eat and share the time. She talked about the many places that called to her and the sites she needed to see. Rita was always looking forward to it.

When Rita’s grandchildren were born, the world became a different place. Lexi, Addy, Brystol, and Jagger brought a renewed life to her years and quickly shifted her priorities. Rita was the Mimi who had your favorite food ready when you got there and slipped you money when you left. Rita was in the bleachers, seated at school plays, and waiting in the school pick-

up line. Rita was the cool grandmother, always up to date on celebrity gossip, trending music, and Taylor Swift. Rita listened to her music loud and she could often be found dancing in her living room. She loved Travis Scott, Nelly, and Snoop Dog; she was just that kind of cool. Rita affectionately called her grandchildren “Precious”, and “Pet” and they will remember her love of purple, her homemade playdough, and her strong stance on good manners. They laugh about her big purse that was half full of Kleenex, hard candy and receipts. Mostly, they will remember her bright smile, giving heart, unconditional love and stern looks.

After living with and caring for her parents in her childhood home, Rita spent the last months of her life planning and building her dream house with a fenced in yard, sunny sun porch and a garden spot for flowers. Her bright, new home was full of dreams for the future and hope for her grandchildren and she was able to savor its sanctuary these last two months.

Rita loved her small town life, her golf cart, and her spoiled cats. She was pieces and parts of her parents and carried with her everyone she loved. Rita took on your joy and helped you carry your sorrow. She was fierce and fragile, fancy and fun. Her smile was contagious and genuine just like her and she leaves behind family and fans who will forever say her name.

Even though our short statured Rita was content in life, when asked what she wanted to be growing up, her answer was always the same…Rita wanted to be tall.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Earnie and Shirley Ferguson, namesake, Aunt Rita Callahan, and dear friend, Susie “Twiggy” Durian.

Rita leaves behind her loving daughters, Amber Jo Friedli, Jentri Marie Shuck and their dear husbands, Tyler Friedli, and Jesse Shuck. Her precious grandchildren, Lexi Marie Friedli (Brian Baker), Addy Jo Friedli, Brystol Eva Shuck, and Jagger Dean Shuck Her beloved sister, Sharon Eisele, Aunt Chris Hand, and special baby, Daisy May Burnett. Also, her crazy Wenches, her comforting Piggies, her “bougie” cats, Jewels, CoCo and Sissy, and so many classmates and forever friends.

Rita will be missed in her small town. She was the giver that took treats to her neighbors or showed up at a friend’s house when they needed her the most. She was the friend you heard from every day, the friend that said a prayer for you each night. Rita lived a life full of grace and lipstick, music and hope. She came when you called and even when you didn’t. Her bright smile drew you in and her quiet classiness made you aware that Rita was more than what she let you see. She worried about her sister, she held her daughters close, and always had her grandchildren on her mind. Rita was not controversial, not political, and not about to miss a day in her life. She loved big, she spoke softly, and she walked through life with a purpose. Rita was the friend everyone, every town, needs to have.

Visitation for Rita is Monday, October 21, 5 p.m to 8 p.m at Fenton-Kendrick Funeral Home in Centralia, MO. Memorial service will be Tuesday, October 22 at 10 a.m.

Donations in Rita’s honor may be made to the Alzheimer Association in memory of her parents and sister, % Fenton-Kendrick Funeral Home, 104 S. Collier St, Centralia, MO 65240, or, to a cause that is important to you.