Rita Arlene Osteen

Of Oxford, Arkansas

Rita Arlene Osteen, 70, of Oxford, Arkansas departed this life Monday, October 13, 2025 in Mountain Home, Arkansas.  She was born January 29, 1955 to Virgil Jenis Osteen and Hoyt Lavinia Grice Osteen.

Rita worked in the Florida groves and packing houses.  She later moved to Arkansas and worked at Wal-Mart in Ash Flat.  She was a member of Oxford Baptist Church since 1996.   She loved the outdoors and was a skilled hunter, who loved to fish.  She loved woodworking and creating things.  She liked to have fun, dance and travel.  She was a loving daughter and sister.  She was an aunt and grandma to many kids.

Rita leaves to mourn her passing; many relatives, friends, including her adopted family: "Ma" Bernice Sherrell and "Sis" Debbie Jennings.  She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters:  Hilda Zeh and JoAnn Osteen, one infant brother:  Danny Osteen, "Pa" Charles Sherrell and "Bubba" Joe Jennings.

Funeral service will be Friday, October 17 at 12:00 p.m. at Eddie's Family Funeral Home in Melbourne with Steve Stevenson and Don Clayton officiating.  Burial will follow at Oxford Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Lester Greenhaw, Alan Sherrell, Mike Warden, Jeremy Johnson, Howard Lee Blankenship and Lloyd Nichols.

Honorary Pallbearers:  Cole Wallis, Keegan Wallis, Jackie Coggins, Jason Howell, Justin Howell and Kennedy Wallis.