It is with saddened hearts to announce the passing of our beloved mother and grandmother Rita (Roe) Ewell 86 of Equality, IL. Rita passed away suddenly in her home on July 23, 2026. Rita was born on July 29, 1939, to the late Bert and Elsie (Hughes) Roe.

Funeral Services for Rita will be on Wednesday July 29, 2026, at Vickery Funeral Chapel in Equality, IL from 11:00AM until 1:00PM with services following at 1:00PM. Burial will follow at Westwood Cemetery in Shawneetown, IL.

Rita married the love of her life Don Ewell on March 6, 1956, who precedes her in death. They spent a wonderful 65 years together before his passing in 2021. Within their union they had four children Randy Ewell (deceased), Angie (Doug) Drone, Tony Ewell, and Kim (Scott) VanZant.

They lived in and around Decatur, IL until they moved back to Southern Illinois in 1973 after the death of their son Randy. They lived in Junction, IL for some time and then moved to Equality, IL. Rita worked in retail for many years first at Cousin Fred's and then Walmart. She was a member of New Life Christian Center Church in Equality, IL for many years. She cherished her family, loved her church, God, and her church family. She adored her two cats, which she talked about often and loved telling stories about them. She'll be remembered for her kindness and making people laugh at the funny things she did. 

Rita leaves behind her son Tony Ewell, daughters Angie (Doug) Drone and Kim (Scott) VanZant. Grandchildren; Ashley Drone, Shawn (J.J.) Drone, Kayla (Andy) Woodward, Alyssa (Brad) Kenning, Kasey (Ali) Kahn, Josh Courtney, Nick Courtney. Great-Grandchildren; Jacie (Lucas) Reeder, Ashton Tuttle, Nash Escobar, Jesse Drone, Sonny Drone, Dalton Harner, and Doha Kahn. One Great-Great grandchild Palmer Reeder.

Rita is preceded in death by her parents Bert and Elsie (Hughes) Roe, her husband Don Ewell, her son Randy Ewell, and a sister Barb Wooley.

Rita's memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends who will forever love and miss her.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the New Life Christian Center in Equality, IL.