Rita Hutchcraft
Miss Rita Gail Hutchcraft, 70, a former resident of Samburg, passed away April 27, 2026, at her home in Jackson. Born July 15 1955, in Tiptonville, Rita was the daughter of the late William James “Red” and Elsie Morris Hutchcraft.
Rita was full of life. Her childhood home faced the historic Reelfoot Lake where Rita loved to take daily walks and play basketball in her driveway. Rita was always watching and learning to do things her mother did. She loved to sit at the sewing machine and run stitching across square pieces of fabric that one day became a beautiful quilt for her and her mother. Her mother was a beautician and Rita learned to fix her dolls hair by watching her mother work.
Anyone who knows Rita, knows she loves country music. She had more CD’s and records than some music stores. When the radio was on, Rita could always tell you the name of the song and who was singing it. Tim McGraw was definitely one of her favorites. Rita loved jewelry, colorful socks of all kinds and food. Boyette’s Dining Room was her favorite. It was always country ham, green beans, baked potato, salad and good ole southern sweet tea! She never entered the doors of Boyette’s without being greeted by the staff. They were on a first name basis with her. Rita was always up for a big plate of spaghetti as well!
Most importantly, Rita loved church. She grew up going to Lakeview Church of Christ at Reelfoot Lake. She was loved on by all of the members. She loved the hymns. Rita had a hymnal that she would write “Rita” on the pages of some of her favorites. One of those being “Mansions Over The Hilltop”! The members loved watching and hearing her sing. We know Rita is now in her mansion over the hilltop with her “forever smile” on her beautiful face.
Rita is survived by numerous cousins.
In addition to her parents, Rita was preceded in death by her brother, Jimmy Franklin Hutchcraft; paternal grandparents, Jim and Earl Hutchcraft; and maternal grandparents, Frank and Bobbie Mills Morris.
Graveside services will be at 4 p.m. Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Antioch Cemetery near Hornbeak. Leonard York will officiate. Friends are asked to meet at the cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Jackie Hopper, Bradley Owens, Brandon Chism, Jackson Chism and Braydon Chism.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Lakeview Church of Christ at Reelfoot Lake or the charity of your choice.
Condolences may be sent to the family at the funeral home’s website, www.white-ranson.com.
The Messenger