"Rita was like a sister to me. We met in the fourth grade (nine years old) and remained friends ever since. She will always hold a special place in my heart and my family's hearts also. She is with "Ma" now and I know she is happy. I used to call Rita's mother "Ma" growing up we all were that close. I will pray for her but I know she is in heaven with all the loved ones who went before her. A special thanks to Joanne for being there for Rita. Rest in peace dear friend. I love you."
In loving memory of
Rita Ann Hodges
March 11, 1947 - March 1, 2017
Rita Ann (Smith) Hodges, Born March 11, 1947 in Pawtucket, RI; beloved wife of Mark R. Hodges passed away on, March 1, 2017 with her family and friends by her side.
Daughter of the late John and Mildred (Souza) Smith. Besides her husband, she leaves a sister Joanne Antonucci of North Port, FL, and brother John A. Smith of Pawtucket, RI, three nieces, three nephews and many friends.
Rita was a graduate of East Providence Senior High School and Nasson Institute of Warwick both in Rhode Island. She worked at Fleet Bank in RI for many years while residing in East Providence before moving to Port Charlotte, Florida in 1995.
Rita was a Madam President of the Eagles, very active in the VFW and Elks Lodge of Port Charlotte, FL; as well as the Moose Lodge, American Legion of Punta Gorda, FL.
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Charles Borramao Catholic Church in Port Charlotte, FL on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. Inurnment will follow at St. Charles Memorial Garden. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Signature Health Care 4033 Beaver Ln. Port Charlotte, FL 33952
Please visit the online tribute for Rita Ann Hodges at www.kays-ponger.com to sign the guest book and offer condolences to the family.
Arrangements by Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral home and cremation services. Port Charlotte Chapel.
Tributes
"It was with such a sad heart that I received the news of Rita's passing. Since she wrote about her illness in her last Christmas card to me, I have been writing her name on our church's book of prayers so that out community would pray for Rita. There aren't enough words to describe the loveliness of Rita and her kind and tender heart. Rita practiced her faith by being good to all who came to know and love her. I will miss having contact with her but she will always remain in my heart and prayers. My condolences to Mark. And to Joanne my condolences also, with deep appreciation for your kind note and memorial card. A golden heart stopped beating......Rita, may the angels come to meet you at Heaven's Gate for the Lord will be happy to have you home. Love you Jan Pontarelli "
"Mark and Family' Our sympathy to all who loved and lost Rita. We had so much fun with her when she lived in RI and belonged to the East Bay Social Club. The things she would come out with always made us laugh, we continued to exchange Christmas cards once she moved to Florida, may she rest in peace. Love, Richard and Diane D'Ascoli"
"Rita Jack and I and Cheryl, Jay and especially Jeffrey are really going to miss you along with your many friends. You were a special wife to Joesph Witt brother of Jack Witt.. We had such good time together and especially our vacation to Nashville, Tennessee was really fun. Tell Joe "Pukie" that Jeff said to tell him "HI" and your mother Millie also. He took us to your funeral as he did not want us to miss you going to the Lord. We know you are in heaven with the Lord. Mark is especially going to miss you. We will watch over him and take care of him the best we can and I know Joanne and her family will visit him often as they love him also. Carole and Jack Witt.."
"Sorry to hear loss of Rita . You are in our prayers Mark.In sympathy ;Sherrie and C.W. Clark"
"So very sorry for your loss Mark. We know how much you will miss Rita. You and the family are in our prayers. In sympathy, Doug and Jane Mason (Phyllis Smith's daughter)"