Rita W Dennis

Rita Dennis needed no assistance when she ran into the arms of Jesus on October 29, 2024. When she arrived, she was greeted by her husband, Rev. Leon Percy Dennis, her parents Elliott and Lorene Newman, and her brother Richard Newman and many other friends and relatives. She leaves behind three daughters, who survived her blend of tough love and deep compassion: Debbie Lynn, Sherry Guyton (Robert), and Lori Lawrence (Dale); her devoted friend and “adoptive daughter,” Kristen Buchner; her brother, Rev. Randall Newman (ret.) (Marie); her grandchildren Lacy Lynn, Robert Guyton, III, Nathan Lawrence, and Micah Lawrence; and her loyal dog, Mister, who hasn’t quite figured out she’s not coming back to slip him food. Rita was given invaluable care and love by Joyshell Hill and Pamela Cade, and we are very grateful.

Rita was born in Montgomery, AL on August 7, 1943. She trusted Jesus at an early age, and He proved to be a constant companion to her. Her life was marked by adversity, determination, and a fiery sense of independence. She married into the world of politics and had many wonderful experiences and stories to tell. She used her own struggle with mental health and her influence during this time to raise money and awareness for mental health across the State of Alabama. She then easily transitioned from a public life to a private one when she married a quiet, easy-going preacher and moved to the middle of the woods which was perfect for her. While she’d always been more “matter-of-fact” than diplomatic, she knew how to advocate with compassion and tenacity. In her daughters' words, she was “business smart,” never one to take “no” for an answer—because in Rita’s world, almost anything could be changed with elbow grease (and a bit of sass).

She always loved horses and being outdoors. In her 50s, Rita took up skeet shooting and became a champion. She made sure everyone knew that age was no excuse for a bad aim and always kept her gun close “just in case.” When she wasn’t busting clays, she was stitching quilts, crocheting afghans, or watching westerns with a particular glee for those who got what they deserved. Her grandkids were her biggest joy, benefiting from her "gigi/mimi rules," which meant getting away with just about everything, as long as they didn’t get loud.

Rita could be tough, but she loved her family and would defend those that were close to her. She would gladly tell anyone within earshot about her daughters and while she could be their biggest critic, she was also their biggest cheerleader. She lived simple, not out of necessity but by choice, ensuring she could provide for herself and those she loved with quiet independence. Rita was generous, always willing to give whatever she had to anyone.

In honor of Rita, spend time outside with your family, pick up some yarn (even if you can’t crochet a stitch), and tell someone today, “I’ll see if I can make it happen”—because Rita believed that anything was possible.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the CARE Project, a program of Easterseals Central Alabama, or buy yourself a little treat—or better yet, be sure to tell the people around you how proud you are of them.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at First Assembly of God, in the Jones Chapel, 135 Bell Road, Montgomery, AL 36117 at 1:00 p.m.