Marita "Rita" Phillips RN, 91, of Rochester, was surrounded by her loving daughter Linda and Lifecare nursing staff when she passed away on Thursday morning July 30, 2026.
On September 8, 1934, Marita M. Grissom was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She was the cherished daughter of Winston and Louise Dowdle Grissom. Rita spent most of her adult years in Indianapolis and earlier earned the distinction of achieving her life dream of becoming a nurse. Rita dedicated her professional life to caring for others as a registered nurse. As an RN, Rita spent most of her career as a nursing professional at Community East located at 16th and Ritter on the east side of Indianapolis where she compassionately served patients and families, leaving a lasting impact on those she cared for.
Rita was a lady of diverse interests and was accomplished with all of them. She will be fondly remembered for her zest for life expressed through her love for riding her Harley-Davidson: at the top of her list of ways to relax. She was an avid bowler and achieved a high skill level with Judo. Ballroom dancing was among her great skills, cutting the rug with grace and style as she floated across the floor. There were many spirited games of euchre played with family and friends in tournament competition at the Moose Lodge or the Harley-Davidson Motercycle Club both in Indianapolis with Rita as a dominant force. She looked forward to visiting the casinos and playing her luck while seated at the slots. Rita also looked forward to the holidays, especially Christmas and Thanksgiving, while spending time with her family.
Left to cherish Rita's memory are her daughter Linda (Robert) Showley of Kewanna; four grandchildren: Devon Showley, Wyatt (Kristy) Showley, Jeff (Elaine) Bennett and Tracy Bennett; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding Rita in death are her parents Winston and Louise Grissom; a son, Mark Phillips; one sister, Edith Smith; a daughter Shirley Bennett (Jesse); along with other extended family.
A private family celebration will take place following her burial at the Citizen's Cemetery in Rochester.
