Rita J. (Sturgeon) Barton

Rita J. Barton, 78, of Fort Branch, passed away Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at Linda E. White Hospice House in Evansville. She was born April 25, 1941 in Patoka to Shirley “Dutch” and Augusta “Gussie” (Hoover) Sturgeon. She graduated from Patoka High School and then Deaconess School of Nursing. Moving from Patoka, she had resided in Fort Branch for over 50 years. She retired as a registered nurse, having worked for North Gibson School Corporation as well as Deaconess Hospital. She was a member of Patoka United Methodist Church. Rita enjoyed traveling, flower gardening and attending her grandchildren’s activities.

She is survived by her children, Jeff Barton (Teresa) of Princeton, Tracy Barton (Krista) of Fort Branch, and Stephen Barton (Darla) of Fort Branch; grandchildren, Whitney Fonte (Ryan), Haley Tourney (Andrew), Jacob Barton, Jozie Barton, and Lora Barton (Caleb Ziliak); great grandchildren, Taylor, Parks and Jenna Fonte; mother-in-law, Bonnie Barton of Princeton; sister, Diane Deputy (James) of Florida; sister-in-law, Camille Caldemeyer (Leo); and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, “Dutch” & “Gussie”; husband, Edwin L. Barton in 2014; and brother, Mike Sturgeon.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 1, 2020 at Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton, with Rev. Kenneth Armitage and Rev. Jeff Pinney officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery in Princeton. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, February 29th as well as 1 p.m. until the hour of service on Sunday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Patoka United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 206, Patoka, IN 47666 or Linda E. White Hospice House, 611 Harriet St., Evansville, IN 47710.

You may light a candle in memory of Rita or leave a message of sympathy at www.colvinfuneralhome.com. Colvin Funeral Home is honored to serve the Barton family.

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