Sedley, VA - Rita Pauline Crawl, 75, a resident of Sedley, VA, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2020, from the complications of Alzheimer's Disease, surrounded by her family, at The Riverside Healthy Living Community, Magnolia Manor "The Garden", in Smithfield, VA.

Rita was born January 19, 1945, in Sullivan, IN.  She was the daughter of the late Warren and Norma Elizabeth "Betty" Canada.  Rita was a 1963 valedictorian graduate of Midland High School, Midland, IN, and received both her bachelor's and master's degrees in elementary education from Indiana State University in Terre Haute, IN.

Teaching elementary education and reading in particular, were Rita's passions.  Throughout Rita's 40 year career in IN, OH, and VA, involving many school systems, Rita never lost her desire to ensure the success of every student.  Her continual quest for educational excellence, leaving no child behind, was a hallmark of her career.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, James, of 51 years, who resides in Sedley, VA, four brothers and sisters: Sharon Welch, Dale Canada (Dianne), Vence Canada (Teresa), and Phyllis Franklin (Dale) who reside in IN, a daughter Linda Marie (Steven) Henk and three granddaughters: Lauren Keefe (Sean), Rachel Henk, and Katie Henk who reside in VA, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews, all residing in IN.

She was a life-long member of the Church of Christ, with her latest church family in Suffolk, VA.

Rita enjoyed everything related to her grandchildren's activities, whether it be Girl Scouts, family outings, or field hockey games.

Rita and her husband traveled extensively, and made many trips, including Ireland, Canada, Alaska, and several vacations to the western states, to visit the National Parks.

Rita enjoyed the great outdoors, which included hiking, camping, and gardening.  She was a member of the Meherrin Piecemaker's Quilt Guild, and regarded as an expert quilter.  She made many exceptional quilts for family members, constructed a special "Underground Railroad" quilt, and made presentations at many local schools during Black History Month.

Rita and her husband were members in the VA/NC Cars are Fun Club, and actively supported and participated in Club functions.

Rita devoted countless hours of service to the community, and was a Girl Scout camp director for many years. Rita served as a teacher for a world-wide bible study outreach program in developing countries, and regularly corresponded with many eager students who were enrolled in Bible courses.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to all the doctors and nurses, who provided such loving and expert care during Rita's illness at Magnolia Manor "The Garden".  A special thank you to Debbie, Sheila, and the entire Riverside Hospice Team for their superb support, and to the Alzheimer's Association Memory Loss Support Group of Franklin, VA.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, from 6-8 PM at The Wright Funeral Home in Franklin, VA.  Burial arrangements are pending.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Rita's memory can be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Southeastern VA.  Condolences may be offered at www.wrightfuneralhome.org.