Rita Evans Leonard passed away April 7, 2025, with her family at her side. Rita was born in Sheffield, Alabama on October 16, 1932. She graduated from Huntsville High School in 1951.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, David C. Leonard, and her sister, Mildred Hardin.
Rita enjoyed being with Dave when he played his accordion with a popular local dance band, The Moonlighters, for 30 years and his own dance combo. They also enjoyed traveling, gardening, and volunteering for Huntsville Hospital and Crestwood Medical Center. She was lovingly called “Nana” by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her daughter, Debbie Leonard Mudler. grandsons, Michael David Mudler (Bonnie) and Joshua Reynolds Mudler. great-grandson, Mikey Mudler, all of Florence, Alabama; son, David Reynolds “Renny” Leonard (Donna) of Huntsville, Alabama, granddaughter, Rachel Leonard Wierenga (Aaron), great-granddaughters, Ruth Wierenga and Marie Wierenga, all of Nashville, Tennessee; and nieces and nephew, Cyndi McElroy, Sandy Saperstein (Mark), and their son, Aaron, and Rob McElroy (Pamela). She is also survived by several nieces and nephews in California and Missouri.
A private family graveside service will be held at Maple Hill Cemetery with Pastor John Dees officiating. Pallbearers will be Renny Leonard, Michael Mudler, Josh Mudler, and Collier Blalock.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Huntsville Hospital Foundation, designated to the Hospice Family Care Fund, 801 Clinton Ave. E., Huntsville, AL 35801 (https://www.huntsvillehospitalfoundation.org/).
