Rita Faye Whitaker, 80, of Bluffton, SC, passed away at home on Thursday, January 22, 2026. She had battled a long illness, but now she is healed and in the arms of our Lord and Savior.
Rita was born June 21, 1945, in Atlanta, Georgia, to the late Rufus Mincey and Eva Gamblin (formerly Mincey). She had an older brother Melvin Mincey, who preceded her in death, and a younger sister, Martha Foster.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Donald Whitaker, her three children Keith Whitaker (Angie), Katrina Campbell (Brett) and Kevin Whitaker (Robin) along with her grandchildren, Christina (Jeff), Dallas (Bee), Jake, Emma, Cameron, Lexi, Lillian, Lydia, and one great grandson, Kai.
Besides her family, she loved the Lord and her church. She was passionate about her faith. She also loved reading and looked forward to her weekly book club meetings to discuss stories and pray with her friends.
She was the most selfless and wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. She will be deeply missed.
A visitation will be held Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Sauls Funeral Home in Bluffton, South Carolina. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 11:00 am, also at Sauls Funeral Home of Bluffton.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
90 Simmonsville Road, Bluffton, SC 29910

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