Rita L. Oakley

1942 - 2025

Rita L. Oakley, age 82, of Clinton passed away 12:04 p.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at Manor Court in Clinton.

She was born June 18, 1942, in Clinton, IL the daughter of Orin L. and Jessie M. Day. Sadly, she and her older siblings lost their father in an automobile accident when she was eight years old.

She attended Lane and Clinton schools, where she was twice a student in elementary grades taught by her mother, and was a 1960 graduate of Clinton High School. She married Ronald C. Oakley on June 9, 1960, at First Christian Church in Clinton. They were married for 60 years until his passing on June 28, 2020. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend, a lifelong homemaker, and she enjoyed both reading and watching mysteries, watching classic films, listening to music, collecting antiques and vintage glassware and shopping, sharing most of these interests with her daughter, Beth. Her son, David also appreciated the fact that she tolerated his frequent practicing and playing on his large drum set in the house throughout his school years.

Rita is survived by her daughter, Bethany (Joseph) Mazza of Bloomington, IL; her son, David Oakley of Clinton; her sister, Marylin Cushing of Decatur, IL; nephew, Matthew Cushing of Decatur; nieces, Lynne Cushing of Nashville, TN, Kristin Seitz of Tigard, OR, Linda Jacobson of Cambridge, IL, Kelly Tooley of Alamosa, CO; several great nieces and nephews; and her brother-in-law, Wilbur Basting of Anna, IL. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parent; and her brother, Robert O. Day. She will always be very much missed by her loving family and friends, who will cherish the memories of the wonderful times spent together with her.

Services will be 11 a.m., Thursday, January 23, 2025 at the Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with Pastor Jonathan Roberson officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Clinton, IL. Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m., Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to Second Chance Pet Adoptions. Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com.