Rita Harvard, 86, of Beaumont, passed away Friday, September 21, 2007 at Christus Hospital St. Elizabeth.
Rita was born in Graceville, Florida, spent most of her early years in Corsicana and lived in Beaumont most of her adult life. She married her childhood sweetheart Jack Harvard on December 24, 1940. Jack preceded her in death in 1985.
Rita was devoted to her family and was a doting mother. She loved playing bridge, 42, and watching the Dallas Cowboys.
She is survived by her children, Kathy Malley and her husband Tony, Barbara Shaunfield of Plano, and Jack Harvard and his wife Nancy of Frisco; grandchildren, Tony Malley and his wife Wendi, John Shaunfield and his wife Leslie, Samantha Ramsey and her husband Bryan, Stephanie Towery and her husband Rob, Jacqueline Foster and her husband Hardy, and Chayse Harvard; great grandchildren, Stormy Ramsey, Josh Ramsey, Joshua Towery, Jacob Towery, Trey Shaunfield, Austin Shaunfield, Elle Ramsey, and Merritt Faith Malley. Her grandson, Matthew Shaunfield; and two twin boys preceded her in death.
Funeral service will be 3:00 p.m. Sunday, September 23, 2007 at Broussards’, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A gathering of family and friends will immediately follow the service until 6:00 p.m. A graveside service will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, September 24, 2007 at Hopewell Cemetery in Navarro, Texas.
A very special thank you to Dr. Timothy Colgan who fought for her life and treated her as a great friend. Further thanks to the Christus Hospital St. Elizabeth C.V.I. I.C.U. who treated her. And finally, to Dr. George Thomas who cared for her for thirty years.
Memorial contributions may be made to Woodland Baptist Church, 1860 West Lucas Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77706.
