Rita Lynn Rodgers

RITA LYNN RODGERS, 77, of Little Rock, passed away March 5, 2018. She was born in Houston, Arkansas, on May 11, 1940, to George and Wada Ray Taylor. Her family moved to Little Rock where she graduated from Central High School in 1957. She loved to write, contributed to the Tiger student newspaper, and enjoyed being a high stepper. Rita then attended what is now called UCA, to pursue an education degree. She went on to teach English at Forest Heights Junior High, especially while her husband attended medical school. She married Charles Hudson Rodgers of Hamburg, Arkansas, on December 22, 1962, and their daughter Laura "Lori" was born in 1967, followed by their son Chad in 1971. Rita devoted her life to her husband and children, as well as church and community matters. She was the best room mom ever; all the kids wanted to ride with Mrs. Rodgers for field trips. Most people would describe her as beautiful, giggly, intelligent, witty, thoughtful, fun, wise, and creative. A kind woman of deep faith. She received real joy from encouraging others and watching them succeed in their goals and dreams. Rita was fond of poetry, art, history of all sorts, reading, tennis, personal journaling and Bible study. She jumped in with her husband on any adventure and acquired skills such as hiking, scuba diving and snow skiing. She was heavily involved in Arkansas Medical Society Auxiliary, serving a stint as president, believing wholeheartedly in championing her husband's role as a physician. She started a newsletter for The Family Clinic and was active in the Arkansas Academy of Family Physicians. In 2010, Rita and Charles moved to Scott, Arkansas, where they dove into country life. Rita participated there in All Souls Church and Scott Connections. Over her 77 years, Rita was at some point a member of Trinity United Methodist and Asbury Methodist. In sum, she wanted true relationships over anything else, the Lord being number one on her list, and she always wanted everyone to get along, be included and have a tea party, or as she often joked: "a coke and a smile." Rita Lynn was preceded in death by her parents as well as her sister Joni Taylor. She is survived by her husband Shot of 55 years; her daughter Lori and son Chad (Eric McDaniel); her brother Michael Taylor (Edra); a host of very dear in-laws, nieces and nephews. A special note of deep gratitude from Rita's family to Robin Herman who helped care for Rita as her own for several years, and to Christine Hussey and CareLink for these last months of great care and love as well. In lieu of flowers, contributions to All Souls Church (4601 Walkers Corner Rd, Scott, AR, 72142) would be appreciated. Visitation will be Monday, March 12 from 5-7 pm at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. Services will be Tuesday, March 13, at 1 pm at All Souls Church in Scott, followed by burial at Rest Hills Memorial Park in NLR. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 224-2200. The online guest book is at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.