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Rita D. Hovermale, 87, of Cary died on August 8, 2017. She was born in Louisville, Mississippi on December 21, 1929, the daughter of the late Herbert and Ruby Dover.
Rita graduated with a degree in psychology from the University of Maryland. She retired after working 18 years at Hudson Belk, Crabtree Mall as a Senior Supervisor on the first floor. She was a very giving person to her family, but also by donating to charities close to her heart, including the American Heart Association in memory of her husband, and the SPCA because of her love of animals. Rita loved her family and friends, and often enjoyed cooking elaborate and delicious meals for everyone to enjoy. She also loved music, Broadway shows in New York, and traveling with her husband while he was a pilot in the Air Force.
Rita is survived by her children, Howard Scott Hovermale, Gary Ross Hovermale (Suzanne Marie), and Laura Beth Keenan (Charles); grandchildren, Tory Sanders, Jennifer Leigh, Ethan Hovermale, Michele Shaw, Anna Cordell, Travis Hovermale and Mitchell Harris; great grandchildren, Maddy, Annie, Harper, Christopher, Rachel, James, Travis, and Damon; and cousins, Sibbey and Ronnie Myers. She was preceded in death by her husband, Major Howard Wilson Hovermale, USAF.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 11, 2017 at 2:00pm at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 200 SE Maynard Road, Cary. Rita will be laid to rest at a later time with her husband at Raleigh National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make donation to the SPCA, 200 Petfinder Lane, Raleigh, NC 27603. Condolences may be made online at www.BrownWynneCary.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by anonymous.
March 25, 2020
Laura Keenan
Dear Momma,
It is March 25th and though Mitchell and I and Charlie miss you so very much and we miss Daddy and Aunt Shelmie too, I'm so glad you are not here to witness this National Crisis and world pandemic right now! It is such a sad time in our Nation, Italy, China and many more countries and all around the world and the ones suffering the most are the elderly. When you left us,you went peacefully and for that I will ALWAYS be grateful to God for that final gift for you!
I want to thank you for all you have done for me and your Grandson Mitchell and my husband Charlie! You, Daddy and Shelmie are always thought of with Love in our hearts and Joy for you were a huge part of our lives! Everyone is doing well, as well as can be during this crazy, sad time in this world. Praying hard that it will end soon... and that our country, nation and the world will be stronger and closer together than EVER before! I will come visit you and Daddy at the cemetery as soon as this mandatory isolation has ended. I LOVE YOU BOTH WITH EVERYTHING I AM and my heart aches for you every single day. I was so BLESSED the day I got to call you MOTHER, Momma and Daddy, Father too. Thank you for giving me a much loved life and home with help and the start from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, GOD... Without God in my life, our lives, we are nothing. Amen
From your ever devoted and loving daughter, Laura Beth XOXO
February 12, 2018
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September 9, 2017
Laura Keenan
You've been gone over a month Momma. I can't focus on much, I miss you each and every day! There's a hurricane coming to Florida, glad your not here to witness that, it will be devastating! I just want to talk to you in person, just one last time! My heart is hurting so much! No one understands what I'm going through, no one gets it, you ALWAYS did... I Love You so much Momma! I miss you so badly... Laura XO
August 17, 2017
Friend
Dana & John Conte
Rita was a gracious and lovely person. Rita befriended our Mom, Judith Beatty, on her first day of arrival at Brookdale MacArthur Park (then called Carolina House). They were table mates and became buddies. Rita always had a smile, shared an interesting story and spoke lovingly of family members. Her life was full of many memories of travels and adventures. My Mom has traveled a lot also, so they had a lot in common. Despite physical limitations and pains, Rita always took time to look her best - lip stick, coordinated earrings and necklace, as well as a cheerful outfit. She was a classy lady and we feel blessed to have known her. She will be missed. Hugs to her family. Brookdale is not the same without her. Sincerely, Dana & John Conte & Judy.
August 17, 2017
Daughter
Laura Keenan
August 17, 2017
Daughter
Laura Keenan
August 17, 2017
Daughter
Laura Keenan
August 17, 2017
Daughter
Laura Keenan
August 17, 2017
Daughter
Laura Keenan
Mother & Daughter & Husband on her wedding day! Brothers Scott & Gary also.
August 13, 2017
Randy Anderson
Dear Hovermale family, I am so sorry for your loss of Mom, Grammy. She was a kind and very lovely lady. I am Randy Anderson, Howard's navigator for several years in the Air Force. We had many adventures together. I know you will miss. Rita and I will think of you in these sad times. Be good to each other and take care. Best regards
August 12, 2017
Patsy Kravitz
Your mother was a wonderful, gracious woman with so much love to give. I am so glad you were blessed with her and I am so sorry for your loss.
August 11, 2017
Laura Keenan
Momma, Although my ❤ is breaking, I know you are in a much better place in Heaven than on Earth... you are with Jesus our Lord & Daddy & ALL of our family before you... I will ❤ Love You for Eternity... with ALL of my Love, I will see you again someday... Your Loving Daughter, Laura, ( your lil Sugar Bear ) XOXOXO
August 10, 2017
American Heart Association
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
August 10, 2017
Jan R,
Howard & Rita were my backyard neighbors for a long time. Good memories were made.
August 9, 2017
Ron Sherwood
Rita and Howard were the best neighbors and friends anyone could hope for. I sincerely miss the good ole days when they were next door. Rest assured that they are together again! You have our very sincere condolences and may your many fond memories help sustain you during this difficult time.
August 9, 2017
Ron, Renee & Natalie Sherwood
Rita and Howard were the best neighbors and friends anyone could hope for. I sincerely miss the good ole days when they were next door. Rest assured that they are together again! You have our very sincere condolences and may your many fond memories help sustain you during this difficult time.
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