Rita Jean Ooton, who would have celebrated her 70th birthday on July 1, 2017, has passed away.
As a member of the Class of '65, the Senior Yearbook recognized her as a member of the American Friends Society as a freshman and sophomore; Girls' Glee Club 1; Girls Choir 2, 3; Pep Club 2, 3; FHA Club 2; Office Occupations 4; Office Assistant 3; Office Occupations Homecoming Co-Chair 4.
Rita lived in Decatur, Illinois, enjoyed her role as an aunt, and she was retired from working with the Decatur Public Schools.
Rita loved singing, and a friend, Connie Copeland, posted this on Rita's Facebook page in January 2017.
On Facebook, this was posted as "1958, girls city wide girls glee club. Found this picture in some old photo books I had. This is a group from Oak Grove." (That would have been 6th grade.)
Rita Ooton is shown in the back with a dark sweater. Connie Copeland is on the far right. The girl between Rita and Connie is Jane Dahl. Terri York is in the back row, far left.
Her sister shared the sad news on Facebook on June 26, 2017:
Because this is the easiest way to reach all of you, whom I love....my sister, Rita Ooton Wall, passed away during a Sunday afternoon nap [June 25, 2017] today. She was very peaceful, and she looked like she was still napping, when I arrived. We are shocked, but relieved for her. She got to attend both of my retirement parties, had a wonderful time, and got to see many family and friends. I talked to her a couple of days ago, and she had a great visit with so many of you. We had planned on a sister-dinner next week, to celebrate our birthdays...my 65th and her 70th. She had gone to the mall yesterday to get my birthday gift. I haven't opened it. I also have hers. Please keep us in your prayers, and include special prayers for her special friend and nurse Vernita. They were very special friends, and she is so sad. I talked to her about how this is one of the hardest things for a nurse, but you have to get attached to some of your patients. It is our calling. Thank God for you Vernita! Thank God for all of you. ~ Pamela Ooton Gustin Perryman
The following is Rita's obituary from Brintlinger's site:
Born: July 1, 1947
Place of Birth: Decatur, IL
Death: June 25, 2017
Place of Death: Decatur, IL
Rita Jean Wall, 69, of Decatur, IL, passed away Sunday, June 25, 2017, at Imboden Gardens, Decatur, IL.
Memorial services will be held at a later date.
Rita was born July 1, 1947, in Decatur, IL, the daughter of Scotty G. and Dorothy V. (Elliott) Ooton. She was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and a 1965 graduate of MacArthur H.S. Rita worked at Decatur Public Schools for 38 years as a bookkeeper. She was a former director and member of the South Illinois Association of Educational Office Personnel.
She is survived by her sister Pamela (Larry) Perryman of Decatur; nieces Jacqueline Ruscin of Hendersonville, TN, Tracy (Brian) Cole of Menasha, WI, Kimberly Beck of Sullivan, IL, Paulette Ooton of Springfield, IL; nephews Scotty G. Ooton III of Decatur, Brent Ooton of South Dakota, Paul Ooton of Morton, IL; several great nieces and nephews; and special friend at Imboden Gardens, Vernetta Perry.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Scotty G. Ooton, Jr.
Rita. 2013.
Rita, sitting, and her sister Pamela (Class of 1970) are pictured at the MacArthur Class of '65's 50th Year Reunion, 2015.
That's Rita in the middle among what has been called the "Mac Girls," there for a lunch together in Decatur, in August 2016.
"MHS, class of 65" girls.:):)" May 2014.
"Lunch with MacArthur classmates...at O'Charlies." November 2013.
H/T to Tracey Devore for the sad news. More info from Donna Maddox. Thank you all.
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As members of the Mac Class of '65 personally know, 2017 is a milestone year with most of us celebrating our 70th birthdays. May all of you have a happy one, and a moment of remembrance and salute to those we know who would have this year.
To Rita, Happy Birthday on July 1st.
