Marita Lynn Blair, 61, of Springdale, passed away Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, in Springdale.
She was born Wednesday, Feb. 15, 1961, in Harrison, to Robert Orlean and Vada Josiphene Reynolds Villines.
Rita married Gordon Ray Blair on Saturday, May 26, 1984, in Springdale, Ark., and together they were parents to two daughters, Jodi and Samantha. She was the office manager at Farmer’s Regional Sale Barn for 32 years and considered her coworkers extended family. She was well known for making birthday cakes for them every year. Rita was also a loving and devoted mother and granny. When she wasn’t spending time with her family, she enjoyed reading, photography, and genealogy.
A special thanks to sisters Melissa and Mayva Lou for their unyielding love, support, and care of her throughout her final days.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Danny Villines; and two nephews, Benjamin Villines and James Randall Villines.
She is survived by her husband, Gordon Blair, of the home; two daughters and sons-in-law, Jodi and Danny Thomas of Wesley and Samantha and Justin Zaccanti of Lincoln; and five grandchildren, Josie, Landrie and Mallorie Thomas and Duke and Ace Zaccanti. She is also survived by three sisters, Melissa and Robert Winnat of Walnut, Mayva Villines of Springdale, and Marsha and David Bateman of Hot Springs Village. She is survived by one brother, Bobby and Rita Villines of Springdale.
Funeral services were held 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023, at Brashears Funeral Home and Crematory. Terry Horton and Eldon Bagwell officiated.
Pallbearers were Bob Dunlap, Tyler Harrell, Tim Holland, Kevin Lynch, Mike McCoy and Brody Higginbottom.
Honorary pallbearers were Harold Sargent, Ruth Jones, David Kidd, Hooter Sargent, Harold Young and Colby Higginbottom.
Interment followed services at Walnut Grove Cemetery, Boxley, Ark.
Services were entrusted to Brashears Funeral Home and Crematory of Huntsville.