Rita J. Castillo

Rita Josephine Castillo, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2026, at the age of 79 in Lake Pointe Village, Scottsburg, Indiana. Born on March 9, 1946, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Rita was the beloved daughter of Orlando and Josephine (Ventureno) Santore, both of whom predeceased her.
Rita's life was a testament to the power of love and family. Her passion for the music of Elvis Presley was only matched by her unwavering kindness, grace, and compassion. She carried these virtues throughout her life, touching the hearts of everyone she met. Rita spent her formative years in Philadelphia, surrounded by a warm and extensive Italian family. Her later years were spent in Scottsburg, Indiana, where she moved to be closer to her son, Ronald, and her extended family.
Rita's legacy is carried on by her loving family, including her sons, Robert (Lima) Doerr of Philadelphia, PA; Richard (Missy) Doerr of Newark, Delaware; Ronald (Linda) Doerr of Scottsburg, Indiana; Daniel Doerr of Pelzer, SC; Randy Ramos of Philadelphia, PA; and her daughter, Addison Castro of Philadelphia, PA. She was a proud aunt to her brother, Orlando Jim Santore of Chesapeake, VA. Rita's joy was multiplied by her 20 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, all of whom she adored.
Rita was reunited in death with her loving husband, Daniel Castillo, and her siblings, Charlies, Frank, William Santore, Patricia Mendez, Francis Colon, and Mary Doarty, who all preceded her in passing.
A funeral service to honor and celebrate Rita's life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Buchanan Funeral Home in Austin, Indiana. The service will be officiated by Rev. Joe Arevalos, with cremation to follow. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during visitation from 11 am to 2 pm on the day of the service at Buchanan Funeral Home.
Memorials can be made to American Martyrs Catholic Church in Scottsburg, Indiana in care of Buchanan Funeral Home
Online condolences and cherished memories can be shared with the family at www.buchananfuneralhome.net. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rita, please visit our floral store.