Rita spent her entire childhood in Humboldt, TN with her big sister Shirley, whom she loved dearly. While attending Humboldt High School, Rita was the lead drum majorette for the Humboldt High Marching Band. Upon graduating, Rita attended Memphis State University. She graduated from Memphis State with a degree in journalism and later obtained her Master of Arts degree in Teaching from the University of Memphis.
In 1980, Rita married Mark Krock in their hometown of Humboldt, TN. Eight years later in 1988, Rita gave birth to their daughter Sarah (Alex) Alexandra Krock. Alex was blessed with the love and affection from the best mom for which a child could ask. The special bond that Rita and Alex shared remained strong and unwavering her entire life.
Rita’s career and passion was teaching children. She was an outstanding teacher and the children loved her. Rita’s hobby was making beautiful jewelry that she sold through local shops. She also enjoyed listening to jazz music and watching vintage movies.
Rita loved going on family vacations, mainly to national parks, including many summer trips to the Great Smoky Mountains. In 2017, the family expanded with the addition of Rita’s son-in-law, Zach Keith. Alex’s husband, Zach, was welcomed into the family and beloved by Rita.
Rita is survived by her loving husband Mark, daughter Alex, and sister Shirley Smith. She was preceded in death by her parents John and Jo Knox.
Rita maintained close relationships with family, friends from Humboldt and her college days, and co-workers. She loved fiercely and was loved deeply by all who knew her. She will be greatly missed.
A visitation for Rita will be held Monday, April 3, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Collierville Funeral Home, 3863 Bailey Station Road, Collierville, Tennessee 38017, followed by a memorial service from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Rita may be offered to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation
www.helpfightra.org/donations or to Great Smoky Mountains www.smokiesinformation.org/donate
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.colliervillefuneral.com for the Krock family.
FAMILY
MarkLoving Husband
AlexDaughter
Shirley SmithSister
John and Jo KnoxParents (deceased)
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.0