Rita Elizabeth (Sullins) Maxwell, of Ash Grove, was born August 26, 1926, to Vance and Delca Sullins. On January 4, 2015, at the age of 88 she died in her home. She was married to Mirl Maxwell, the love of her life, on August 17, 1944. They were blessed with two children, Jerry Don Maxwell and Rita Virginia Ginny Maxwell Weatherman. She grew up in Witts Springs, Arkansas and after relocating to Missouri enjoyed working many years at Heer s Department Store in Springfield. Retirement brought to her the life she had always longed for; a long life on the farm in Ash Grove, MO. She loved naming each cow and they came to her at the sound of her voice. A daily Bible reader, she loved the Lord and listened to His calling, praying for her family, and attended Paris Springs Church. She was preceded in death by her father, Vance Sullins; mother, Delca Sullins; sister, Gertha Jones; brother, Claud Sullins; husband, Mirl Maxwell; son, Jerry Don Maxwell; son-in-law, Curtis Weatherman; and lifelong friend, Bud Dobyns. Rita is survived by two sisters, Orpha Turney of Witts Springs, AR and Viva Huber of Springfield, MO; daughter, Ginny Weatherman of Ash Grove, MO; grandson, Tommy Bertges Jr; granddaughters, Julie Braun, Kimberly Roberts, Amy Duffy, and Kelly Miller. She loved her great-grandchildren, Matthew, Daniel, Steffany, Breann, Madeline, Nathan, Ginny, Jeremy, Ty, and Max Michele. The true apple of her eye were great-great-grandchildren, Alana and Kingston. As you can see she lived life to the fullest, laughed often, and was loved by many. She is rejoicing in Heaven and singing with the angels. Services will be held Saturday, January 10, 2015, at 2 PM, at the Grace Community Church, 11189 Hwy K, Mt. Vernon, MO, 65712. Burial at White Chapel Memorial Gardens will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services, Springfield.