Rita Faye Gross

Rita "Rit" Faye Gross - beloved great-great grandmother and a beautiful soul - of Alexandria entered Heaven's gates on December 10, 2025; she was 83 years old. Rita's journey began on June 25, 1942, when she was born to Dolphy Ryan and Veneda Walton at their home in Orestes, and she was a 1960 graduate of Alexandria High School.
A devout Christian and consummate homemaker, Rita dedicated her life to raising her three children. Cooking was her favorite household task, and she was known for her biscuits & gravy and her lasagna; Rita enjoyed partaking as much as preparing, whether it was slicing up a watermelon or heading out to her favorite buffet, Golden Corral. She was also something of a shopaholic, never missing a chance to peruse local rummages or run to Goodwill. Her passion for all things domestic extended to other areas as well, such as the treasured television program, Little House on the Prairie, and she was an avid fan of classic country music, especially Patsy and Loretta.
In spite of her devotion to her home, perhaps Rita's defining trait was her need to be on the move. Few people put in more steps each day; her first choice for walking was always Shadyside Park, but if weather was against her, she could be found making rounds at the mall. Rita's travels weren't limited to local haunts. She was proud of having visited 37 states, including Alaska and Hawaii, as well as several international destinations, including Jamaica and Ireland. About the only time you could catch Rita sitting still was when she stopped for a back scratch.
At home or abroad, Rita was happy as long as she could be with the people she cared about. Her large and loving family meant more to her than anything, and they will continue to hold her memory in their hearts.
Survivors include:
- Daughters - Kimberly Parke, Debra Patrick, and Tammy (neé Hiday) Sniegowski
- Grandchildren - Doug Ferguson, Courtney (Matt) McCowan, Dustin (Christina) Redman, Casey (Ana) Redman, Kendra (Trevor Fippen) Patrick, Autumn Patrick, Joe Dailey, Devon Sniegowski, Bryce Sniegowski, and Mallory Shelton
- Great-grandchildren - Heaven, Tristan, Dakota (Courtney), Abigail, Kaitlyn, Eric Jr., Destiny, Faith, Austin, Levi, Riley, Braxton, Brakayla, Ruby Rose, Lydia, Zabrien, Kingston, Carsen, and Tynlee
- Great-great-grandchildren - Bracken, Bristol, and Bryson
- Many nieces, nephews, and cousins
- Step-grandson - Tony (Holly) Sniegowski
Along with her parents, Rita was preceded in death by her siblings: Lannie, Ivan, Zeke, Stoney, Don, Ellie, Onda Lee, and Ed; her grandson, Dylan Sniegowski; and two great-granddaughters, Hope and LeAnn.
Services for Rita have been scheduled for Thursday, December 18, 2025, and will take place at the Noffze Chapel, 501 N. Harrison St., in Alexandria. Calling hours will take place from 12:00pm to 2:00pm, with a funeral ceremony beginning at 2:00pm. Following the funeral, Rita will be taken to her final resting place in Forrestville Cemetery.
All who knew Rita are encouraged to celebrate her life by sharing memories and condolences on her tribute page at www.owensmemorialservices.com