Rita Leath Harden, 72, of Anniston, AL, passed away on March 18, 2024. Rita was caring, giving, and an open soul. She deeply loved her children, family, and friends.Rita is survived by her children: Anthony (Lynn Wood), Ginger, Chris; grandchildren: Stuart, Michael, Asher, Finley; great-grandchildren: Eli, Emma, Koltan, Madelyn, Serenity; the Leath Family: Kathy (Alan); Harden Family: Martha, JR, Carolyn.
Rita was preceded in death by Larry Harden (Husband) Nell Hellums (Mother) Jessie Sie Leath (Father) Annie Leath (Grandmother) Thomas Leath (Grandfather); Leath Family: Marie, Richard, Donna, Buddy, Tony, Ricky, Alan; Richie Family: Frank, Frances, Louise, Claude, Donnie; Chazz Harden (Grandson)
She attended Emma Sansom High School and Gadsden State. Rita made history by being the first woman hired at Etowah County Road Labor. She spent her career there, was a district manager at Waffle Houses, and spent time in construction.
Rita worshipped at Harvest Church of God and was a published poet (“No Time for Mothers”) and songwriter (“Lord Build Me A Mansion”).
Service will be held at Collier-Butler Funeral Home, 824 Rainbow Dr, Gadsden, AL 35901 on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2:00 p.m. until the hour of service. She will be buried alongside her husband at New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to a charity of your choice in Rita’s memory.
