Rita Dailey

Arieta “Rita” Jean Dailey, age, 78, of Bonne Terre, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2024, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Rita was born on Friday, September 14, 1945, in St. Louis to the late Harry and Mattie (Bomher) Crawford.  

Rita was a dedicated member of Primrose Baptist Church in Bonne Terre. She was known for her fiery spirit and sense of humor. Rita was a devoted St. Louis Cardinal fan, always cheering passionately for her team. Rita loved the lively chaos of family gatherings at her home and enjoyed always having all the kids in her life at her house any chance she got. 

 In addition to her parents, Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Gary D. Dailey, Sr; stepdaughter, Janice O’Connor; brother-in-law, Laverne Dailey; sisters-in-law. Evelyn Gainer and Mary Crawford.

Rita is survived by her loving children, Gary Dailey Jr.; Timothy Hoppe and wife Missy, Lisa DeClue and husband Charles all of Bonne Terre. She leaves seven cherished grandchildren, Corey (Lauren) Wells of Desloge, Danielle (Zachary) Barnhouse of Bonne Terre, Joshua (Alisha) Wells of Bonne Terre, Katie Gruver of Bonne Terre, Randi Martin-Gruver of Bonne Terre, Meghan (Jerrod) Lay of Waterloo, IL., Katelyn (Cole) O’Connor of Waterloo, IL. Rita was blessed with five great-grandchildren; Landrie Wells, Averie Wells, Carter Laramore, Carson Lay and Stella Dirksen; siblings, Beverly (Mike) Wade, Harry Crawford, Dennis (Nancy) Crawford; beloved sisters-in-law, Diane (Mike) Meyer; dear friends, Linda Martucci and the late Sheila Gowen; grand puppies, Buddy, Odie, Belle, Ariel, Daisy, Cami and Polly, along with several nieces, nephews, friends and family.  

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 12, 2024, from 12:00 PM until service time of 3:00 PM at C. Z. Boyer & Son Funeral Home in Bonne Terre. Pastor Randy Murphy will be officiating. Burial to follow at Bonne Terre Cemetery.