Arthur Rita Butler's Obituary
Services for Arthur Rita Butler of Diboll will be held Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in the Lottie Arthur Temple Civic Center, 601 Dennis in Diboll, TX. Burial will follow in the Cedar Grove Cemetery in Milam, TX. Visitation is Friday from 5:00 till 7:00 p.m. at Colonial Mortuary.
On August 7, 1954, Arthur Rita Butler born unto Morris Dixon, Sr. and Irene Oliphant in Diboll, Texas.
Arthur Rita Butler called by most "Rita"; lived a joyful life. April 29, 2024, Rita entered eternal rest at Hospice in the Pines in Lufkin, Texas.
She received her education through the Diboll Independent School District, Diboll, Texas. She was a smart, strong minded and loyal person to know and to love.
She met and married Marvin Butler on April 5, 1978, and to this union three children were born and reared. Rita was a dedicated worker at Temple Inland and Atkinson Candy Company. Her love for her family was shown at home and throughout the community. She was a big sports fan, and her favorite football team was the New England Patriots, and she was a (Brady Girl!). She was an all-around person and loved to play Georgia Skin, Poker and the best dice shooter in three counties! She devoted her love, time and energy to her family and friends and would give anyone her "All". She will be truly missed by family, friends and throughout the entire communities.
Rita leaves to cherish her memories, her devoted husband of forty-six years: Marvin Butler, Diboll, Texas; her one and only loving and beautiful daughter: Aretha Denice Oliphant, Diboll, Texas; sons: John Smith, Jr. and Shun (Brandy) Butler, all of Diboll, Texas; brothers: Jethro (Polo) Hinson, Charles (Pop) Huddleston, Lester Ray Oliphant and Morris Dixon, Jr.; brother by love: Cleveland Mark; grandchildren: Michael Lynn Phipps, Jr., Eric D' Michael (Rosco) Phipps, Yasmine Irene (grandma's little Lizzo) Phipps, Shun Lacree "Lucky" Butler, Jr., Janae Smith, Christian Holman, Treasure Sa 'Rhya Butler, Jarvin Jashun Butler and Carey Smith; great grandchildren: Se'Bein Amori Curl, Quentin Omarion Oliphant, Erianna Dlynn Phipps, Eric "EJ (my I'm different) Phipps, Jr. and Kamryn Amaryia Oliphant; Ty 'Zavian Kane (Quack Quack) Phipps, and Kayliana Davis Butler; mother in law of forty-six years: Elzadie Butler, Hemphill, Texas; brother and sisters-in-law: Willie Herman (JoAnn) Butler, N. Charlton, SC, Felonese Blake, Lufkin, Texas, Ronnie (Delores) Oliphant, Diboll, Texas, Keith (Penny) Butler, Orange, Texas, Katina Butler, Hemphill, Texas; uncle: Vertis Oliphant; aunt: Iowa Long; special sisters of love, Ester Ruth Hunt, Margie Harrell and Pamela Green; Rita's love children: Anthony (Big A) Dwight Ligon, Eddie Fletcher and Sharika Fletcher and a plethora of love children, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father, sisters: Verlie Mae Adair, Joyce Tiny Barlow and Claudette Dixon and her twin grandson, Ze Kendrick (ZZ) Zionn' Oliphant, brothers-in-law: Kenneth (Kent) Butler and Tyrone Butler.
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