Rita Jean Williams Walton

Rita Williams Walton, 95, of Keithville, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2026.

Rita was born on February 18, 1931, to Vardaman and Lenora Williams in Keithville. She grew up on her family farm, working alongside her parents and helping raise her younger siblings. It was within a few miles of the Williams homeplace that she devoted her life to Jesus. Rita was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Keithville.

Rita married her husband, Ed Walton, Jr., and after he returned from military service, they established their own farm and raised two children, Diane and Dale. Rita worked alongside Ed on their dairy farm until 1977. They later continued raising cattle together, side by side. Rita was known as one of the hardest-working women around.

Like Jesus, Rita came not to be served, but to serve. She did not simply love to cook; she loved to feed others. Rita shared baked goods, jellies, and relishes with friends, family, and even strangers. Any visitor could count on enjoying something delicious while they were there and never leaving empty-handed.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband of 75 years, Ed Walton, Jr.; her parents, Lenora and Vardaman Williams; her siblings, Vardaman Williams Jr., Cecil Williams, Tommy Williams, and Shirley Cook; and her granddaughter, Cynthia Walton.

She is survived by her children, Dale Walton and wife, Lauri, and Diane Walton; her sisters, Doris Copeland and Joyce Brown; her grandchildren, John Richardson and wife, Kylie (Landon and Ava), Jamie May and husband, Eddie (Katie, Benjamin, and Jack), Jason Richardson and wife, Ashley (Mason and Allie Kate), Amanda Walton/David (Kyle, Ashton, and Josie), and Kelli Woodson (Savannah and Madelyn); and great-great-grandchildren, Kade and Karsyn.

The family extends special thanks to Caddo Fire District #6, whose EMS team always took great care of Rita and was there whenever she needed them. Additional thanks to her sitters; Meemee Mayberry, Betty Davis, Shirley Washington, and April Battle.

Reverend Mike Stowell will officiate the service on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Keithville, with Pastor Dennis Aaron assisting. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will immediately follow at the First Baptist Church of Keithville Cemetery. 

Honoring Rita as pallbearers will be Kyle Williams, Butch Williams, Billy Alcorn, Skipper Williams, Don Williams, and Dwayne Harper. Honorary pallbearers are Jimmy Wooley, Kyle Duke, and Ashton Burford.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Keithville Building Fund, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or the charity of the donor’s choice.