Rita Lillian McDaniel

Rita Lillian Oehms McDaniel, age 76, passed away from a long battle with Alzheimer’s on Friday, July 5, 2019 at Merry wood Lodge, a nursing home in Millbrook, AL. She was born to Clinton Henry Oehms Sr. and Clara Mae Cottrell in Biloxi, MS and was the oldest of 7 siblings: Glenn, Marie, Clara, Johnny, Clinton "Buddy" Jr., & Delphine.

Rita worked in the field of accounting and bookkeeping. She earned an Associates Degree in Mississippi and her field took her to many places. When Rita was not working, she spent her free time baking cakes and crocheting. Rita enjoyed baking cakes for special events of friends and family. Even if she stayed up all night decorating a cake she never complained because she enjoyed helping and being a part of the process. Her joy came from seeing others happy. That is why almost everyone in the family has an afghan or doll personally crocheted by Rita. She had such a loving nature that if anyone wanted to learn to crochet, she would stop what she was doing and show them step-by-step. Her niece Kyla learned the skill of crocheting from her Aunt Rita and still actively crochets today.

Rita will be deeply missed. She was a sister, aunt, Mother, grandma, and great grandma. She leaves behind her son Joseph Whalen, and 4 daughters, Annette Whalen, Maria Clark, Vicki Harp Neelley, and Crystal "Christy" Harp. She was a grandma to 12 grandchildren and a great grandma to 11 great grandchildren. There will be a Celebration of Life for Rita on July 5, 2020 in Mississippi. The details are TBD. The family would like to extend their gratitude to everyone who assisted in the care taking of Rita especially for their loving tenderness and patience.