Oakdale-Memorial Services for Rita Beth Perry, 68, will be held at First Baptist Church in Oakdale on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 1 o'clock p.m. Rev. Robbie Rollins, Bro. Terry Terry, and Bro. John Campbell will officiate.

Rita's family will receive visitors at First Baptist Church in Oakdale on Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 11 o'clock a.m. until time of service. All arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Home of Oakdale.

Rita, affectionately known as "Nana" or "Rita Mae" by those who loved her, was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, and servant of the Lord. She was born in Sweetwater Texas in 1955 where she began her journey of sharing love and the good news here on earth. Her greatest accomplishment was raising her children and grandchildren in church after moving to Oakdale in 1992. She dedicated herself to a lifelong mission of educating the "little ones" about the love of Jesus. She dedicated herself in every way to her children and grandchildren and was a very proud supporter of gymnastics, dance, band, sports, or scouts. With the help of her "co-pilot", Jennifer Harris, Rita would bring grandchildren and "bonus kids" on "Nana Camp" each summer (without devices) to instill in them the importance of travel and making memories. They visited 38 different states during these times.  "Bonus daughters" Jennifer and Melissa were also instrumental when Rita began teaching sign language to her Sunday School class. Rita organized fundraisers and led the charge for as many events as her calendar allowed. She was as patriotic as they come and had a profound respect for law enforcement long before and well after her career as a Deportation Officer, and well into her career as an Inspector of Federal Correctional Facilities through Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  Rita was an experienced seamstress and was always willing to lend her skills to anyone in need. She was a pillar of the community and leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and dedication in her wake. Rita will be forever missed and unconditionally loved by all who knew her.

Those left to cherish Rita's memory include one son, Christopher Glen Perry, and wife Jodie; two daughters, Keri Kathleen Graham, and Teresa Danielle King; one brother, Truman Dale Murphree and wife Judy; one sister, Vicki Jo Booth and husband Don; seven grandchildren, Kirstin, Jacklynn, and Thomas Ross Graham, Makenzee, Emma and Abigail Perry and David King Jr.; one great-grandson, Sawyer Callum Matte; and her nieces and nephews from Texas, Shelly James, Terry Nathan and wife Cindy, Misti Kilgore and husband Tim, Glen Terry and wife Stephanie, and Brandon Murphree and wife Lourdes; and a host of children whose light and laughter will carry us through this difficult time.

Rita is preceded in death by her parents, Ardis, and Antoinette Murphree; her niece, Rita Rene Greer; and her great nephews, Travis Kudela, Nicholas Rhodes, and Walton Terry.

Condolences and words of comfort may be expressed to the family at www.ardoinfuneralhome.com or our Facebook page at Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Home.

Donations in Rita's memory may be made to First Baptist Church of Oakdale WEE Center as Mrs. Rita would love nothing more than to have her memory live on through donations to help the WEE Center thrive.