Rita J. Huling

MOUNT PLEASANT - Rita Huling, 63, of Mount Pleasant, died Sunday, October 3, 2021, with her family at her home following a short battle with ovarian cancer.
Rita was born June 26, 1958, in Mount Pleasant, the daughter of Thomas and Joan (Hart) Millard. She graduated from Kirksville Bible School in Kirksville, MO and received her LPN in Nursing from Southeastern Community College in Burlington.

Rita married Edward Van Deuren III on October 15, 1977, they were married for 7 years. During their marriage they had two children. Rita married Jim Kitto on September 13, 1992, they were married for 11 years. Together Jim and Rita raised her two children.

Rita was united in marriage to Gene Huling on May 1, 2005, at East Lake Park in Mount Pleasant. She worked as a nurse and spent most of her career in Long Term Care. She retired from Henry County Health Center (Park Place Elder Living) in 2020. Rita attended the Salem Congregational Church. She enjoyed camping, photography, bird watching, collecting anything gingerbread, and crocheting blankets for family (especially baby blankets). Rita cherished the time she spent with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Rita is survived by her husband Gene of Mount Pleasant; daughter Rebecca (Joshua) Van Deuren-Sample of Mount Pleasant; son Edward Van Deuren IV of Mount Pleasant; step-son Justin (Dana) Huling of Hillsboro; step-daughter Jodie (Alan) Gerling of Manhattan, KA; 10 grandchildren Reshana and Rellana Van Deuren, Elizabeth and Thomas Van Deuren, Peyton, Talon, and Kannon Huling, Isaac, Abbi, and Chloe Gerling; her mother Joan Millard of Mount Pleasant; and four siblings Tim Millard of Lockridge, Robin Millard of Lockridge, Tony Millard of Trenton and Todd Millard of Salem.

She was preceded in death by her father and a brother Thad Millard.

Funeral service will be held 10:00 am Saturday, October 9, 2021 at the First Baptist Church in Mount Pleasant. Pastor Aaron Helterbran and Pastor Paul Miller will officiate. Burial will be in the Oakland Mills Cemetery. Visitation will be held 1:00 - 7:00 pm, Friday, October 8, 2021 at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel. Family will greet friends from 4:00 - 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established for the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center. The service will be livestreamed at Powell Funeral Homes Facebook page and at our website.