Rita Harrelson

In Loving Memory of Rita Harrelson December 6, 1943 - October 15, 2023
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Rita Harrelson, a beloved wife,
mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, who passed away peacefully on October 15,
2023, in Pensacola, Florida, at the age of 79. She was born on December 6, 1943, in
Monroe, Louisiana. Rita attended Northeastern University of Monroe where she met the
love of her life Glen Ray Harrelson and were married for 60 years. Rita’s life was a
testament to love, kindness, and resilience.

Rita was a remarkable woman whose presence lit up every room she entered. She
touched the lives of many with her warmth, kindness, and unwavering love. She was a
source of strength and a guiding light for her family. Rita's life was a tapestry of
beautiful moments, and she leaves behind a legacy that will forever be cherished.

Rita was a loving and devoted mother who poured her heart and soul into nurturing her
children. She was a source of wisdom, compassion, and unwavering support through
life's challenges. In addition to her role as a loving mother, Rita was a cherished “Mommom”
who adored her grandchildren. She created enduring memories with them and
shared her wisdom, love for life, and the importance of family. Her children and
grandchildren were the center of her world, and she dedicated her life to ensuring their
happiness and well-being.

Rita's life was filled with an appreciation for life. She loved spending time with family, friends, and her precious dogs. She had a passion for playing tennis, traveling, live music, Elvis, interior design, painting, and gardening. She found solace tending to her beautiful
home, her vibrant flowers and lush greenery. Her talents and green thumb not only
beautified her surroundings but also mirrored her nurturing spirit.

Rita is survived by her husband Glen Ray Harrelson, daughter; Rhea Kessler, Grandsons;
Michael Glen Sutter, Christopher Jay Kessler, Nickolas Glen Kessler and his wife Alexia
Kessler, sister and brother-in-law; Dawn and Tommy Tait, sister; Terri Rose Collins; sister-in-
law and brother-in-law Sharon and Lawson Swearingen, niece’s; Karah Tait Hobbs,
Tara Collins, Ashley Swearingen Day, and nephew Chip Swearingen. Son and daughter in
love; Patrick and Susan Sutter and granddaughters in love; Carley McKinney and Justine
Sutter.

Rita is now at peace, reunited with her beloved Mamaw and Daddy Coleman, her
mother Rose Mary McKnight, her daughter, Charm Sutter, and son in law Alec
Christopher Kessler.

Rita Harrelson's journey on this earth may have come to an end, but the love she shared
and the memories she created will live on in the hearts of her husband, daughter,
grandchildren, family members, and friends. Though she has left this world, her legacy
of love, compassion, and strength will remain with us forever. Rest in peace, dear Rita,
and may your soul find eternal peace in the gardens of Heaven. You will be deeply
missed.

A celebration of Rita's life will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Rose Lawn
Funeral Home, 2942 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563. Visitation will begin at
10:00am and the service at 11:00am. All who knew and loved her are welcome to join us
in honoring her memory and sharing stories of the beautiful life she lived.

“Instead of floral tributes, the family kindly requests donations to be made to ‘Pillars for
Promise,’ for a cause close to our hearts. All contributions will support The Florida
Borderline Personality Disorder Association (FBPDA). This organization is dedicated to
raising awareness and assisting individuals affected by this disorder, a challenge that
Rita’s daughter, Charm, bravely faced.” Donations can be sent to: Pillars for Promise a
501c3. In the memo, please put” for FBPDA”. Mailing address: 1048 Ft. Pickens Rd.,
Pensacola Beach, FL. 32561.