Rita June (Pearl) Terrell, 85, of Greenwood, SC, passed away in her home on July 3 surrounded by the love of her family.
Born on Feb. 21, 1941, to George and Dorothy Fisher Pearl of Attica, IN, Rita's life was defined by her devotion to family. While she built a wonderful life in South Carolina, her heart always remained connected to her Indiana roots. She often spoke fondly of being "Back Home Again in Indiana," where she was raised and where many of her happiest memories were made.
As a young woman, Rita excelled in 4-H Club, earning multiple Grand Champion honors with her Angus cattle at the Fountain County Fair. Her pride in her Indiana heritage never faded, and throughout her life she looked forward to returning home for Potawatomi Festival celebrations and class reunions, reconnecting with family and lifelong friends.
Of all the roles Rita held during her lifetime, none brought her greater joy than being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family was the center of her world. She celebrated every milestone, cherished every gathering, and found her greatest happiness simply being surrounded by those she loved. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren knew they were deeply loved, encouraged, and prayed for every day.
Rita was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Larry Charles Terrell, with whom she shared a lifetime of love and a 50-year marriage. She was also preceded in death by her parents, George and Dorothy Pearl, and her brother, Dr. Gary Pearl DVM.
She leaves behind a family who will forever treasure her memory: her daughters, Joline A. Gable (Andy Gable) of Greenwood, SC and Janel A. Holt (Scott Holt) of Gallatin, TN; her sons, Tracey A. Terrell of Greenwood, SC, and Todd A. Terrell (Leslie Terrell) of Sandy Springs, GA; her grandchildren, Benjamin Gable, Ellen Bess Gable, Trey Gable (Anna), Christian Terrell, Ethan Terrell, Zachary Holt, and Alexis Terrell; and her great-grandchildren, Etta June Gable and Clementine Gable; as well as a step-granddaughter Britton Barton (Patrick) and their children: Ehren, James and Brooks of Austin, TX.
Rita is also survived by her sisters, Janet Pearl Sundt of Connersville, IN, Pam Pearl Zellers of Houston, TX, Penny Pearl Byers of Attica, IN; and four sister-in-laws: Sandy Pearl, Bloomington, IL, Nancy Smith, Lafayette, IN, Margie Doolen, Salem IL, and Shirley Carlson, Woodland, CA.
Throughout her career, Rita served in positions that reflected her gifts for organization and dedication. She worked as an office assistant for physicians, served on the Human Resources Training staff for Belk department stores in Spartanburg, SC, and was the assistant to the guidance counselors at Warsaw Community High School in Indiana.  She also received her realtor certificate from the State of South Carolina.
Rita was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
She found tremendous joy in her garden and fellowship through her membership in the Chrysanthemum Club of Greenwood and the Spartanburg Garden Club.
Her compassion for others extended into public service when she was appointed by the Governor to serve on the South Carolina Foster Care Review Board, advocating for the welfare of children and families. In addition, she served as a South Carolina delegate to the 1988 Republican National Convention and she attended the Inauguration of President George H.W. Bush.
Those who knew Rita know how much she loved living on Lake Bowen and being a "laker."  Friends will remember her gentle spirit, warm smile, firm determination, and unwavering love for her family. She possessed a remarkable ability to make others feel like a friend. Whether boating, tending her garden with Larry, sharing stories from Indiana, attending family gatherings, or simply lunching with her friends, Rita lived an amazing life.
Her family takes comfort in knowing that the love she gave will continue to live on through the generations she leaves behind.
A Rosary Prayer service will take place at 5:00 PM Tuesday, July 7th at Blyth Funeral Home. Visitation will follow at the funeral home until 7:00 PM.
Following transportation to Indiana, friends may call at the Maus Funeral Home, Attica on Friday, July 10th, from 11:00 a.m. until the service time at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. David Rasner officiating.  Burial will follow in the Riverside Cemetery, Attica, next to her husband.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of the Piedmont 408 W Alexander Ave, Greenwood, SC 29646, or to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, Dementia Society of America, PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901.
"A mother's love is forever imprinted on the hearts of her children."
May Rita's memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.