08/10/2025
Rita Ann Cooksey, 76, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, August 7, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones.
Rita was born on June 26, 1949, in Cairo, Illinois, to Charles Douglas and Faye (Wells) Douglas. On October 4, 1969, she married the love of her life, Bill Cooksey.
Rita was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was deeply involved in her community throughout her life. She worked as a secretary for the Poplar Bluff School District for 20 years and was an active member of Women Aware. After retiring from the school district, she saw a need at the Butler County Sheriff's Office—where her husband Bill had served as a reserve deputy—and began volunteering by entering summons into their computer system.
Rita later joined the United Gospel Rescue Mission, where she worked for more than 20 years. Her time at the Mission was especially meaningful to her; she had a true passion for the work and touched countless lives through her compassion, kindness, and unwavering support. Rita became a motherly figure and a cherished friend to everyone she met.
She also loved spending time with her close-knit group of friends, the “Golden Girls,” and enjoyed scrapbooking, sewing, entertaining friends and family, and, most of all, making memories with her grandchildren.
Rita will be remembered for her generous heart, her community spirit, and the deep love she had for her family and friends.
Rita is survived by two sons, Patrick (Jennifer) Cooksey of Poplar Bluff, and William (Brandie) Cooksey of Texas; one sister, Sarah (John) Wolffer of Oakville; eight grandchildren Christopher, Nicholas, David, Evan, Breandrea, Ashleigh, Jackson, and C.J.; and two great grandchildren, Carson, and Easton. Rita is preceded in death by her husband, Billie Cooksey; her parents, Charles and Faye Douglas, two brothers, Gary Douglas, and Kenneth Douglas; and two sisters, charlotte Douglas, and Patricia Douglas. A host of family and friends also survive.
The family request everyone wear Ms. Rita’s favorite color pink. The family also request donations be made in her name to the United Gospel Rescue Mission in lieu of flowers.
Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on August 14, 2025, at Fitch-Hillis Funeral Chapel at 366 College Street, Poplar Bluff. Funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. at Fitch-Hillis Funeral Chapel with Pastor Greg Kirk and Deacon John Wolffer officiating. Interment will follow funeral service at Missouri State Veterans Cemetery of Bloomfield, Missouri at 2:00 p.m. Fitch-Hillis Funeral Home is assisting with all arrangements.
