Rita Jane Polk Carlile

 Rita Jane Polk Carlile, age 76, passed away peacefully at her home in Natchitoches, Louisiana, on August 31, 2025.

Rita was born on April 25, 1949, in New Orleans, Louisiana, and was raised in Natchitoches, where she spent more than 30 years of her life. She graduated from Northwestern State University in 1978 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.

For 20 years, Rita worked as an elementary school teacher in Rapides Parish while living in Pineville, Louisiana, where she played an important role in the early education of many children. She retired in 2008 and later moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where she remained for 13 years before returning to her hometown of Natchitoches.

She is survived by her companion of 41 years, Cynthia Dove Kirkland; her daughter, Alina Carlile Sorrell (Steve) of Edmond, OK; her son, Andrew Paul Carlile (JoAnne Hughes Carlile) of Belfair WA ; grandchildren, Garrison Sorrell, Jackson Sorrell, Sierra Spencer Sorrell ,Thomas Riley Carlile, Mallorye Hull, Kailee Hull, Jason Hull Jr., Austin Hull and Christian Hull; great-grandchildren, Luke Anthony Smith and Kelsi Hull; her sister, Lila Spillman (Wayne) of Natchitoches, LA; her brother, Aubrey “Rusty” Polk of Natchitoches, LA; and many nieces and nephews. She is also remembered by her extended family, Danaca and Jason Hull, and Jason Kirkland.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Gloria Jean Polk and Samuel David Polk.

In her free time, Rita enjoyed traveling—whether long-distance trips or spontaneous weekend road adventures. She also had a love for sewing and crafts.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches, beginning at 12:30 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m.