Obituary: Laurita Rhoton

Laurita “Rita” (McPeek) Rhoton, 76, of Oxford, Ohio, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on March 7, 2025.

She was born on Feb. 24, 1949, in Paintsville, Kentucky. Growing up with her three brothers in Shelbiana, Kentucky, she found joy in exploring the mountains and valleys of eastern Kentucky.  She attended Virgie High School, where she was in the choir and graduated in 1967.

Rita is survived by her deeply beloved husband and best friend, Tim. They met at The Sandwich Shop in Pikeville, Kentucky, where he was the manager and she a waitress. Though initially Rita told the restaurant owner, “If you hire that guy, I will quit,” the owner called her bluff and Tim’s natural “Rhoton Charm” made her do an about face. Married nine months after they met, they enjoyed 54 years of marriage.

She is also survived by the lights of her life, her son, Chris, daughter-in-law, Liz, and grandchildren, Livvy and Finn Rhoton. Being a wife, mother and mamaw was her greatest gift to the world.

She leaves behind a crowd of friends. She made her friends into family and family into friends. There simply wasn’t a line between the two. Her love of baking and cooking was central to who she was to many people. Her recipes were often requested at a wide range of gatherings.

She is also survived by her brothers Michael (Debbie) McPeek and Charles Patrick (Cyndi) McPeek; brother and sister-in law, Patrick and Sandy Rhoton; and nieces, Amber Rhoton (Justin) McCann and Emily (Chad) Chenault, and their families; and several nieces and nephews. 

She is preceded in death by her father, Charles McPeek, mother, Beatrice (Perkey) Moore, step-father Guy Moore, and brother, Jack McPeek.

Her family will gather privately to celebrate her life.

This obituary was originally published on the website of Paul R. Young Funeral Home and has been edited for length.