Rita Ramell NATHAN

March 10, 1936 - September 21, 2020

Rita Ramell Nathan (née Durbin) went to be in the presence of the Lord on September 21, 2020, the 107th anniversary of her mother’s birth in 1913. Rita was born on March 10, 1936, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Timothy and Ramell Durbin, who preceded her in death. She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Bass; son in law, Ken Bass and his extended family; grandson, Christopher Bass and his wife, Lexi; granddaughter, Taylor Bass; brother Richard Durbin and wife, Carol and family; aunt Doris Wilson and family; and many other loved ones and dear friends. Having been a military wife for many years, Rita traveled extensively and lived in many places during her lifetime. She particularly enjoyed living in England, Colorado and on the California coast. She loved flowers and plants and served as a docent at the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, shortly after her retirement. Rita worked in many different roles, but her most meaningful was that of being a loving mother and grandmother. She also worked at various financial institutions, aircraft and technological corporations, as a preschool teacher, a school bus driver and an administrative assistant to the minister of her former church. Additionally, she served in that church’s prayer ministry and believed that to be one of her most meaningful responsibilities. Rita loved animals and was a dog owner for most of her life. She tended to choose the animal that most desperately needed a home, so she could give them the life she felt they deserved. Rita’s pets were treated like royalty. Over the last decade, Rita suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and peacefully passed away at Delmar Gardens senior care center in O’Fallon, Missouri. Prior to her time at Delmar, she resided with her daughter and family in O’Fallon. Rita loved her family and attended many concerts, sports activities and award ceremonies for her daughter, grandchildren and extended family. Her family would chuckle as she excitedly (and loudly) cheered on her grandchildren as they participated in their various activities. A memorial service for Rita will be held at Cornerstone United Methodist Church in O’Fallon, Missouri, on Sunday, October 11, 2020 at 1:00 PM. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the service will be held outside and social distancing will be observed. In lieu of flowers and gifts, it is asked that contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, for research pertaining to the difficult disease that Rita bravely fought during her final years. https://www.alz.org Although Rita will be dearly missed, her family and friends rejoice in knowing that she is once again happy and whole, and spending eternity with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.