Rita F. Cornwell, 58, of Bunker Hill, passed away at 7:49 a.m. Friday, April 3, 2015, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.
She was born on Sept. 4, 1956, in Paducah, Ky., the daughter of the late Richard and Shirley (Hall) Brown.
She married Pete Cornwell and he preceded her in death.
Survivors include eight daughters, Eva Hill and her husband, Derek, of Bunker Hill, Amanda Cornwell of Hartford, Sunshine Lee of Cottage Hills, Danna Ellis of Alton, Regina Ellis of Alton, Ann Lisenbee of Cottage Hills, Theresa Julius of Bunker Hill and Sherry Wright of O’Fallon, Mo.; three sons, Ronnie Swan of Bunker Hill, Larius Metts of East St. Louis and Kendall Bass of St. Louis; 22 grandchildren; six brothers, Tim Owens of Bethalto, Paul Nance of Hartford, Charles Nance of Hartford, Stan Morgan of Bunker Hill, Gerald Nance of San Diego, Oscar Nance of Dyersburg, Tenn.; one sister, Elfredia Shimchik of South Roxana; two nephews, Mike Morgan and Tim Morgan; a special friend, George Smith of East Alton; and many other extended family and friends.
Rita was a homemaker.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her stepfather, Eugene Baggett.
In accordance with her wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. In celebration of her life, memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 15, 2015, at the First Congregational Church in Bunker Hill. Pastor Jeremy Wood will officiate.
Memorials are suggested to First Congregational Church in Bunker Hill and will be accepted at the memorial services.
Online guestbook available at www.pitchfordfuneralhome.com.
Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River is in charge of arrangements.