Rita Marie Williams

Rita Marie Williams passed away on December 7, 2025, at the age of 62, in the comfort of her home in Dunedin, Florida. Born on April 2, 1963, in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Rita's journey was one marked by joy, resilience, and unwavering selflessness.
Rita's life was a testament to her selfless nature and intelligent mind. She pursued her passion for finance at The Ohio State University, which laid the foundation for a successful career. Rita served as a senior claim specialist at The Doctors Company, where her expertise and dedication led to a well-deserved promotion. This professional milestone coincided with a cherished personal one, as it brought her and her beloved husband, Norm, to the picturesque city of Dunedin.
An avid golfer, Rita found great pleasure in the camaraderie and challenge of the sport. She was an active member of the LPGA Amateur Golf Association Tampa Bay Chapter and took pride in her membership at the Dunedin Golf Course. Her love for the outdoors extended beyond the greens; kayaking in the serene waters of Florida was a frequent and cherished pastime. Rita's affection for the beach was profound, with Honeymoon Island's allure being a significant reason for choosing Dunedin as her final home.
Rita's love for The Ohio State University remained a vibrant part of her life. She reveled in the thrill of college football, and the victory of Ohio State over Michigan this year brought her immense joy.
Family was the cornerstone of Rita's world. She is survived by her loving daughters, Bailey and Samantha (Jesse). Rita was a cherished daughter to her father, Gary Howlett. She is survived by her two siblings, Ryan and Renee. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Norman, her brother, Robert, and her mother, Carol. Rita's presence as a mother, daughter, was imbued with warmth, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to those she loved.
In the words of Helen Keller, "What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us." Rita's spirit, her love for life, and the memories she created with her family and friends will forever remain an indelible part of their lives.
Rita Marie Williams will be remembered as a woman of great spirit, intelligence, and selflessness. Her legacy is one of love, laughter, and the courage to face life's challenges with grace. As we bid farewell to Rita, we celebrate a life lived to the fullest, a life that touched so many, and a life that will continue to inspire all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers please consider making donations to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, the nation's leading nonprofit dedicated to colorectal cancer at https://colorectalcancer.org/get-involved/give/donate-now.
Additionally, consider a donation to the LPGA*USGA Girls Golf Program which's mission is to empower young girls through the game of golf, a game that drastically shaped Rita's life, at https://www.girlsgolf.org/give.