Mauritta Gertrude Ridenhour

Mauritta Gertrude Worsham Ridenhour, born into this world July 16, 1933 – Passed peacefully May 25, 2025 she was known as the "Hat Lady of Hawkins"

Rita passed on Sunday May 25th at 9:47am. She was born in Pine Mills, Texas on July 16h, 1933, to Era Jewell Hall Steven Oliver Worsham. She was almost 92 yrs old. She is preceded in death by her parents and daughter, Donna Jewell Hood. Survived by children: James, Roxanne, Pamela, Anita, June, and Robin. As well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Rita worked many different jobs to support her children. She enjoyed being outdoors working in her yard even up until a few weeks before her passing. She was a known activist, fighting for many causes, she was fearless, she believed in speaking up for those without a voice. She was known to stand strong even at 4'8” she would not back down for the right causes. Rita went through life never meeting a stranger, a true social butterfly. She could strike up a conversation with anyone no matter where we were. She was a lot of fun, loved shopping, and going to auctions for many years with her neighbor and best friend, always laughing, very independent, pulling her own weight, opinionated, (which I loved),full of common sense, very sharp for her age until she passed. Her favorite thing to say, "God told me he had my back, and for me to watch my mouth." She was known and loved by many; she will be deeply missed.

Rita committed her life to God, June 08, 2015, at the age of 81. She would sit on her back porch talking to the Lord as the sunset in the evening, asking Him what she could do at her age, and that's where the "Blood stone Ministry" began. She devoted the last 10 yrs of her life and energy to this ministry. She placed a red stone, a scripture and a tiny bible in a small package. She would take them to nursing homes, businesses, churches, food pantries, restaurants, and handing them out wherever she went. She wanted to help someone find Jesus. When she could no longer drive, she would prepare the packages for others to distribute. Her ministry will continue.

Her Celebration of Life Service will take place Saturday, March 14, 2026. Spring was her favorite time of the year. More details will follow.