Rita Douglas Ford, 68, formerly of Horse Branch, Kentucky left her family and friends on Monday, April 28, 2025 to join her heavenly Father and many family members. Rita was born August 22, 1956 to the late Douglas and Freda Ford in Hartford, Kentucky. She graduated from Ohio County High School and attended church at the Horse Branch Church of God. Kentucky was her home for 64 years. Rita moved to Carterville, Illinois in December 2020 to be closer to her sister, Carol, and family after losing her husband, A.E. McDaniel. Shortly after moving to Carterville, Rita found a church family at Cambria Christian Church in Cambria, Illinois. She had many special friends that were as close as family. Rita enjoyed spending time with her nieces and nephews every day. She was happy when she was crafting, making candles or other small items that she would give to loved ones. Rita was always searching for special treasures. She cherished her time in Ohio with her aunt and cousins especially when scouring the flea markets and Good Will stores. Friday mornings she would be up early, wherever she was, to get ready to jump in with whoever wanted to search for some thrift shops and yard sales. She was always on a search for that one unique gift for birthdays and every Christmas present was so special. Rita was a very loyal friend, and never missed a family gathering or sports event. She especially loved to watch Mason high jump in track meets, calling Atlas “her little peanut”, snuggling with Aria in Joe’s recliner, and beating everyone in a game of Nertz. She was a fierce competitor in card games! And we all know that Jodi was her favorite 😉
She was preceded in death by her parents, Douglas Ford & Freda Ford Powell; husband, A.E. McDaniel; Brother-in-law, Joe Michael Haven; and many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins. She is survived by her sisters, Carol Ford Haven, Lisa (Richard) Poirier, Tanya (Jeff) Ratliff, and honorary sister – Pam (Dewayne) Bratcher. Her nieces & nephews: Tinna (Jason) Stanley, Jodi (Josh) Jeralds, Ryan (Mary) Poirier, Nathan Poirier, Jordan (Alexus) Ratliff, Justin (Naomi) Ratliff, and Tyler Ratliff. Great nieces & nephews: Jayden (Mayson) Kell, Jenna Stanley, Mason & Haven Watts, Brooke, Lexi & Mckenzie Poirier Great great niece & nephew: Atlas & Aria Kell
Rita Douglas Ford was a force to be reckoned with. Her warrior spirit will be carried on in the strong young women that she influenced and loved on daily. She was known as “Aunt Rita” to all of her nieces’s friends, and she loved them very much. We know she was excited to run to our family members in Heaven, and know they are all saving a seat until we get there.
Her funeral service will be Monday, May 5, 2025 at Danks Funeral Home in Beaver Dam, Kentucky. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. and continue until her service at 12 p.m. Burial will be at Rosine Cemetery immediately following her service. We will have a Celebration of Rita’s Life in Carterville, Illinois at a later date.