Rita Ann Butters

Rita Ann Butters (nee McCarty), of New Bern, North Carolina (formerly of Staten Island, N. Y, Middlebush, N.J. and Mineola, N.Y.) sadly left us on November 26, 2024. She was 85 years old following a lengthy illness. Rita is survived by her children, John (Mary), Chris (Toni) and Debra (Joseph) Esposito; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and brother John (Margrit) McCarty. Rita’s husband John predeceased her.

Rita worked for the Staten Island Saving Bank (S.I., N.Y) for 16 years retiring in 1996 as a loan officer. Prior to that, Rita was a home maker taking care of her family and children. She met her husband John at a U.S. Air Force event that he was serving as Military Police security. They were married for 63 years.

Rita enjoyed camping throughout the continental U.S. She especially enjoyed visiting the numerous state parks and federal reserves along the way. Rita was an active member of the S.I. Sundowners in S.I., N.Y. and the Fairfield Harbor Camping Club in New Bern, N.C. She was also an active member in Elks Lodge 764 in New Bern since 2014, and St Paul’s Catholic Daughters.

Rita especially enjoyed her time spent in her ceramics studio and was an accomplished baker. Every year her family looked forward to her handmade gifts and Christmas cookies.

A wake will be held at Cotten Funeral Home, 2201 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, N.C. on Tuesday, December 3rd from 6:00pm to 8:00pm with funeral services to be held at St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church, 3005 Country Club Rd., New Bern, N.C. on Wednesday, December 4th at 11:00am. Funeral services to follow at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Montford Landing Rd, Jacksonville, N.C. at 2:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Rita A. Butters.