Rita Caudill

Rita Nelson Caudill, longtime resident of Ponca City, joined her heavenly father on the early morning of May 23, 2010 after a very tiresome illness. She was 77. The family is very grateful to Hospice of North Central Oklahoma for all their support and comfort during this trying time.

Rita was born March 24, 1933 to Hank and Ann Nelson in Winfield, Kansas. There was nothing more important to Rita than her children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Rita was so very proud of her family.

Rita graduated from St. Marys Catholic School. She worked at the First National Bank in Ponca City which later became Home National Bank for almost 50 years. After retirement, she worked parttime at Applause Apparel in Kems Gym. She really enjoyed watching the kids. Rita never met a stranger as she loved people. One of her fond memories was being crowned Ponca City Dodgers Baseball Queen in 1954. Her parents had no idea until hearing it on the radio.

Rita married Charles Jim Caudill and to this union was born two children.

Rita is survived by 2 daughters, Susie Estes and husband, Dennis, of Tulsa, and Tammy Swopes of Ponca City 3 grandchildren, Brandon Roberts and wife Whitney of Ponca City, Tia Swopes of Stillwater and Lacey Roberts of Tulsa 2 great grandchildren, Thomas Byford of Tulsa and Emma Roberts of Ponca City Rita is also survived by 3 sisters, Darlene Duncan, Peggy Epperson and husband, Richard, all of Ponca City, and Sherry Burdick and husband, Richard, of Mulvane, Kansas one brother, John Nelson of Mannford, Oklahoma. She was preceded in death by her parents twin brothers at their birth sister Carla Fike and nephew Donny Duncan.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 12, 2010 at Grace Memorial Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, Oklahoma 74601.