Published: December 20, 2007 02:56 pm            

In memory of Rita Allen

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted. — Ecclesiastes 3 1-8



When Sonny Bono passed away, Cher said that Sonny was the most interesting character she had ever met. Well, I have met a number of interesting characters in my life. There are two I not only consider interesting, but some of the best friends I could have found: Carolyn Hyde and Rita Allen.

Carolyn Hyde was always there when I needed her. She was great to hang out with. She kept my life interesting. Sometimes too interesting. We lost Carolyn too early, but I have great memories of her. I think she considered me her boring friend, but being around Carolyn was always an adventure. She never met a stranger, only people she had not gotten to know yet. I definitely miss Carolyn.

My other friend Rita Allen, owner of Rita’s Private Club, lost her battle with cancer this past weekend. The angels came and took Rita on Saturday, December 15, 2007.

Rita and I have been friends for some 15 years, and what a short 15 years it has been. Rita was not only my friend, but she was a friend to the Cedar Creek Lake community. Rita had a heart of gold and was always there when someone had a need. She held benefits for the Juvenile Diabetes because one of her employee’s granddaughters had diabetes, and Rita wanted to do her part to find a cure for the disease.

Rita generously donated to the Chamber of Commerce Monte Carlo fundraiser for a number of years, and she was involved in Toys for Tots. Two years ago she and her patrons and friends adopted a family to provide for them an entire wonderful Christmas.

These were the things that made Rita the happiest. When Rita passed, this community lost their biggest cheerleader. She loved Gun Barrel City.

Rita was also a great benefit to this paper. She helped us with many, many Page One stories. She may not have had all the details, but she had enough to send us searching for the story.

Employees often wondered where I got my information. I would just tell them, “I have an informant.”

I wonder if they have police scanners up in Heaven.

Without Rita, I know we will miss some big stories. I was lucky to have Rita as my friend, and sometime “informant.”

Life has a funny way of turning on you. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, Rita was by my side. I survived my cancer, but I could not help my friend. I know in my heart Rita’s suffering is over, but as most of you are, I am also selfish. I’ll miss my time with her.

A number of my friends have gone before Rita. Rita and I lost a good friend a few years ago, John Henry. I have no doubt that Carolyn and John Henry met Rita at Heaven’s gate.

I also hope Rita met my mother. Rita will tell her I’m okay. My mother died when I was 11, and I know she worried about leaving her children. I hope Rita tells her my life turned out great. I know, after Rita’s conversation with my mother that she, Carolyn and John Henry had some laughs at my expense. I’m glad I was their entertainment.

With the Christmas season upon us, I find myself reflecting on my life. I feel like a lucky person to have known these characters, to have the husband I have, and I so much appreciate my family and friends.

My Christmas wish is for everyone to find one good friend. Someone who will not judge you and will support you even when they don’t necessarily agree with you. Friendship is delicate; it can be gone in the snap of a finger.

My respect goes out to Rita’s daughter Jeannie Lea. As Rita would say, "She stepped up to the plate."

Jeannie spent the last year of Rita’s life by her side, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And for that she has my respect.

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of Rita’s family — her sons Billy and Tony, her sister Pauline, and of course, Jeannie Lea.

They say time heals all wounds and I’m sure that is true but it will take us a while to come to terms with Miss Rita’s passing.

As the Bible verse goes, “To every thing there is a season… and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”

May everyone have a Merry Christmas and a new year that brings each of us that special friendship like the one I shared with Rita, Carolyn and John Henry.

— Kathi Nailling

        

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