Rita Joann Curlie of East End, Arkansas was born April 24, 1959, the daughter of the late Virginia Roberts Baldwin and Tom Bradbury.  Rita's proudest accomplishment was her family.  She cherished each of them and the feeling was definitely mutual.  To her grands and great grands, she wasn't just a grandmother, she was a fun, full-of-life, Mimi, who made it her life's ambition to spoil them and make sure they knew she loved them with everything she had.  She definitely had a green thumb and thoroughly enjoyed gardening, and her yard and home showcased that passion. Another of her many talents was decorating.  She could make any house a home and with a little paint and a little time, she could transform any wall, floor or item into a work of art.  Christmas was year-round at her house but when the actual holiday rolled around, her home was spectacular.   You may have noticed that the theme of Rita's life seemed to be having the ability to make ordinary things, extraordinary.  That included her home, her yard and even people in her life.  She wanted everyone she knew to see the greatness that she saw in them.

Rita fought a courageous battle with Cancer, and considering where she is now, we'd say she won that battle.  She died Friday, August 30, 2024 at her home, surrounded by her family, at the age of 65. Waiting to hug her neck when she got to Heaven was her son, Frank Curlie; parents, Tom Bradbury, Virginia and Al Baldwin; sisters, Pamela Wilson, Francis Madray; son-in-law, Kevin Patrick; and her grandson, Jarred Patrick.

Survivors include her husband and soulmate, Charles Curlie; daughter, Shannon Patrick; grandchildren, Frank Garrett, Justin Garrett (Lauren), McKynzie Patrick; great grandchildren, Ollie Garrett, River Patrick, Amelia Patrick;  brother, Thomas Bradbury (Sidney); sisters, Tammy Hebert (James), Jackie Bradbury, Mickey Walters.  She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.  Also, her fur-baby Cookie who misses her so much.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home Chapel in Sheridan with Bro. John Mooney officiating.  Burial will be in Salem Cemetery at East End.  Visitation is Tuesday, 6:00-8:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

Serving as pallbearers are Frank Garrett, Justin Garrett, Eric Cotton, Brent Hornaday, Chuck Schenck, Tyler Hornaday. Honorary pallbearers are Willie Standridge, Phil Hornaday, Clark Posey

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your path straight".  He is the only one that can give us peace in this world.