Rita Mae Sullivan, age 79, passed away on July 21, 2022, at Rock Point Nursing Center, Birch Tree, Missouri. She was born to Chester and Tella (Johnson) Patterson on July 20, 1943, in Hunter, Missouri.

She was united in marriage to Leland O. Sullivan on May 20, 1961, in Oaklawn Church, Mountain View, Missouri. To this union, five sons were born, Jeffery, Ray, Mark, Brendan, and Allen.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Tella Patterson, and her son, Allen Sullivan.

Survivors include her husband of 61 years, Leland Sullivan; four sons, Jeffery Sullivan and wife, LaDonna of West Plains, MO, Ray Sullivan of Mountain View, MO, Mark Sullivan and wife, Rhonda of Mountain View, MO, and Brendan Sullivan and wife, Jaclyn of Westminister, CO; thirteen grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren and one on the way.

Rita loved raising her five sons, and she always did what needed to be done throughout her life. Shopping was one of her favorite pass times, especially if it involved jewelry, clothes, and shoes. Rita enjoyed wearing her orange nail polish all the time. She had a strong faith and loved to dance in church. Rita was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, and she will be deeply missed by all.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at Yarber Mortuary, Mountain View, Missouri, with Greg Worley officiating. Visitation will be held from 6-8:00 p.m. on Monday, July 25, 2022 also at the funeral home. Interment will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Mountain View, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.