Rita A. Duvall, 72, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, February 9th, 2017 at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Syracuse surrounded by her loving family.
She was born in Watertown, February 18, 1945 and was the daughter of Allie and Nettie Buker Calhoun. She was educated at Watertown High School. Rita worked for many years in the Town of Watertown Clerks office, later working as court clerk for several Town judges. After leaving from the Town, she worked as a clerk at the Housing & Dentack Dental Clinic on Fort Drum.
On May 3, 1963, she married Ernest Duvall, Jr. at Asbury United Methodist Church. The marriage was later blessed at Holy Family Church.
Rita was a Town of Watertown Fire Department Auxiliary member, a Watertown Eagles Auxiliary member, and was also a member of Jefferson County Order of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed sewing, homemaking, being outdoors, and spending time with her grandchildren. Rita and Ernie owned and operated Harbor Crafts Boutique in Watertown & Sackets Harbor.
Rita will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many.
Surviving besides her husband, Ernest, Jr., are 4 sons, John and Christy Duvall of Watertown, Michael and Cathy Duvall of Sherrill, NY, Geoffery Duvall and Kristan Peck of Watertown, Richard and Jennifer Duvall of Watertown. Also surviving are many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
She is predeceased by 5 siblings, Pauline Calhoun, Corrine Calhoun, Thelma Halpin, Leroy Calhoun, and Lita Schneider.
Calling hours for Rita will be 4:00pm to 7:00pm Wednesday, February 15th at Reed and Benoit Funeral Home. The funeral service will be 11am Thursday, February 16th at the funeral home with Pastor Shane Ryan officiating. Friends and family are invited to join us for a Celebration of Life, hosted by lifelong neighbor and friends, George and Luann Burnham following the service on Thursday at the Eagles club. Burial this spring will be at Glenwood Cemetery.
Condolences may be made online at www.reedbenoit.com