Rita Louise Tuten

Mrs. Rita Louise Tuten, 82, of Summerville, formerly of Varnville, died early Tuesday morning in the Life Care Center in North Charleston.

Mrs. Tuten was born February 12, 1936, a daughter of the late James L. "Jim" Tuten and Minnie Crapse Tuten Gooding.  She worked at Tharpes Department Store in Varnville for many years, enjoyed fishing, shrimping, her garden and teaching Sunday School, especially the small children's class, at Sandy Run Baptist Church where she was a member.  She was the widow of Luther Earl "Sonny" Tuten.

Surviving are her sister,  Docia Edith Tuten of Summerville and a number of nieces and nephews.  Mrs. Tuten was predeceased by her husband and two brothers, George R. Barnes and James L. "Jimmy" Tuten.

Funeral services will be 2 PM Thursday in the Sandy Run Baptist Church conducted by Rev. Paul Reid and Rev. Kevin Mims with burial in the Sandy Run Cemetery directed by Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home of Hampton.

Visitation will begin at 1 PM Thursday prior to services at the church.

The family suggests that those who wish may send memorials to the Sandy Run Cemetery Fund, PO Box 252, Hampton SC 29924.