Rita Slaughter Dalrymple

Rita Slaughter Dalrymple

Rita Slaughter Dalrymple, 82, of Orange, passed away on August 16, 2024, at Baptist Hospital in Beaumont. 

Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m., Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Officiating will be Pastor Benny Smith. 

Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

Born in Orange, Texas, on November 24, 1941, she was the daughter of William Burl Slaughter and Sarah Letitia Williams Slaughter. Rita lived a life filled with love, laughter, and a genuine curiosity for the world around her. In addition to Orange, she resided for many years in and around New Orleans, Louisiana. An avid reader, Rita took joy in learning about different destinations and cultures. She could discuss politics and current events for hours over a good cup of coffee. Rita loved people and had a gift for making everyone, no matter their background, feel valued and included. To her, no one was a stranger, and this openness quickly endeared her to many. Rita enjoyed gardening and took pride in helping to establish a community garden in her former New Orleans neighborhood. She loved finding treasures at yard sales and was an avid collector of angel figurines and vintage soda bottles. Rita also had a deep affection for animals and provided a home for many rescued pets over the years. Above all, Rita cherished her family and friends and devoted herself wholeheartedly to ensuring that they felt loved and supported. Her legacy of love, kindness, and curiosity will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, William and Sarah Slaughter; her brother, William Burl Slaughter, Jr.; and her cousin, Billy Slaughter.

She is survived by her daughter Heather Dalrymple and partner Ed Loewenstein; her siblings Lou Smith, Doris Wilson and husband Harvey, Kenneth Slaughter and wife Cindi, and Nancy Richards and husband Wellman; many nieces and nephews; and numerous other loving family members and friends.

Rita’s family would like to thank the staff of Buckner Calder Woods in Beaumont for providing her a place to age with dignity and caring.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Meals on Wheels at https://action.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/a/mowa-donation-form, to Traci’s Texas Tails (info at tracistexastail-s65@gmail.com), or to your favorite animal rescue organization. 

Cremation will be held under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Interment at King Cemetery will be private.