Rita Marie Allen, 59, of Terre Haute died Tuesday, September 12, 2017 at Union Hospital.  Rita was born May 27, 1958 in Chicago, Illinois to Vera Oleta Allen and Chester Allen, Sr.  Rita's early departure from this earth will weigh heavily on the hearts of those who loved her and knew her well. With Rita's big smile and pretty eyes, her heart was just as big and pretty. Rita will always be remembered as the wonderful woman who opened her heart and home to all in their time of need. She enjoyed filling bellies with her amazing cooking, spending time with friends and family, and being known to put together a 5,000 piece puzzle in two days with ease.

Survivors include her children, Dale Allen (Kim), Anna Hawkins (Danny), grandchildren Rashad Allen, Taylor Allen, Dreshon Allen, Kendal Allen, Vakeiron Allen, Myaira Hatfield, Elijah Allen, Jaylon Hammond, and Miyale Hatfield, 5 sisters, Allegra Allen, Sandra Allen, Elaine Manuel, Marcia (Marsha) Allen (David), and Muriel Allen, 2 brothers Ernest Scott and Robert Scott,  a special niece Oleta Allen (Darnell), and special nephew Louis Allen (Leslie) for they were raised like a sister and a brother, and a host of nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents Vera O. Allen and Chester N. Allen, Sr., brothers Chester Allen Jr., Kenny Allen Sr., Alvin Allen, and Larry Allen, her son William (Billy) Hawkins, granddaughter Krista Allen, grandson Jeremiah Carlson, a nephew Raymond Reeves, and her niece Natasha Allen.

Funeral services will be held at Memorial United Methodist Church located at 2701 Poplar Street on Friday, September 22 at 1pm with visitation from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. with burial to follow at Grandview Cemetery.  Samaritan Funeral Home 2425 Wabash Avenue assisted with arrangements.  Online condolences can be left at www.samaritanfunerals.com.