Rita Darlene (Rhodes) Phoenix

Rita D. Phoenix, nee Rhodes of Steelville, MO, formerly of Illinois was born on Friday, April 18, 1947 in Springfield, IL to Roy Anderson Rhodes and Ruby Darlene Grieme Rhodes.  She passed away at the Steelville Senior Living Center on Sunday, November 21, 2021 at the age of 74 years, 7 months, and 3 days.

Rita graduated from Edinburg High School in Edinburg, IL.  She accepted the Lord as her personal Savior at a young age and attended Meadow Brook Baptist Church located in Auburn, IL.  She married the love of her life, Robert Phoenix on January 2, 1996 in Springfield, IL and they were married for 14 years before his death in 2010.  Rita loved watching baseball especially the Cubs.  She enjoyed playing cards, Yahtzee, going to auction houses, and reading.  Most of all she loved spending time with her family and friends. 

Rita was preceded in death by her parents Roy and Ruby Rhodes; son Darrell Stanger; son-in-law Carl Wright; granddaughter Elizabeth D. Fishburn.

Rita is survived by her children, John Paul (Shanna) DeJaymes of Okay, Oklahoma, Jodi Lynn Wright and Richard Austin Stanger both of Thayer, IL, Kathy Lynn (Grover Cleveland) Barton of Boss, MO, Judy Elaine (Patrick) Stuhmer of Auburn, IL, Steve Andrew Stanger and Kevin Allen Stanger both of Viburnum, MO; sister Mary Kay (James) Dietel of Loami, IL; 18 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family chose cremation as her final disposition.  A private memorial service will be held at a later time.  Memorials may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

All arrangements under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, MO. 

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