Rita Ragina Hinkle, aged 83 years, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2022 under the care of the angelic staff of the S. Mitchell Mack Hospice House in Mooresville, NC.
Rita was born in Valley Stream, Long Island on March 6, 1939 to Michael Ragina and Elly Hedwig Kroeck.
Rita graduated from Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Hanover, NH in 1959 and practiced nursing until she was married and then became a full time Mom once her children were born. She enjoyed helping and caring for others, always toting her kids to various events.
Once her children were grown, she and her husband relocated from Lexington, NC to Plano, TX. Rita formed many long lasting friendships while in Texas and just recently moved back to NC on July 13, 2022 to be closer to family.
Rita was predeceased by her parents, and her husband Stoney G. Hinkle.
She is survived by her daughter Tanya H. Bruzek (Dan) of Denver, NC; and her son Michael R. Hinkle (Michelle) of Cary, NC.
Visitation and Memorial Service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at The Good Samaritan Funeral Home in Denver, NC.
In lieu of flowers, please give a gift of joy to someone you love. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County (www.HOIC.org).
Rita was an amazing woman. I’m so grateful God brought her into my life. I admired her and loved her so much. She was a light in this world and she will be missed dearly. Rest in peace dearest friend.
Thank you for the kind words Michelle.
To Rita’s Family from her Classmates at Mary Hitchcock School of Nursing ’59. We are saddened to learn of Rita’s passing, and may she be at peace. She was a wonderful classmate, and nurse, and a dear friend. Fond memories,
Gail Graham, RN
Thank you Gail. My Mom had many fond memories of her time at Mary Hitchcock.
To Rita’s Family from her Classmates at Mary Hitchcock School of Nursing ’59. We are saddened to learn of Rita’s passing, and may she be at peace. She was a wonderful classmate, and nurse, and a dear friend. Fond memories,
So many wonderful memories of our days together at Mary Hitchcock! Rest in peace, Rita!
Thank you Shirley. Appreciate your kind words.
So sorry to hear that Rita has passed. She was a wonderful classmate with a fabulous smile and positive attitude. Rest in peace. My condolences to her family.
The Leightner family.
Rita was truly an angel of mercy to the Leightner family in Texas. Through the years she also became a dear friend. She will be missed greatly.
Dan and I, and our three kids, Kimberly, Matthew and Micah have known Rita since about 1996. We have lots of memories with her. From meeting her at Dr. Cowden’s office, to taking her to lunch and dinner many times, to being invited to her yearly Christmas celebrations at her home in Plano, to appointments there with Dr. Hickey, to the many times we’d just sit and talk. She and I (Susie) went shopping at Stonebriar Mall, Dan would take Rita to Easter and Christmas programs at Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco. He – and she – always enjoyed those! Rita came to our house for Thanksgiving Dinner in 1996. Micah was four months old. She had him on her knee and was gently bouncing him up and down. He was having such an awesome time with her – and then he spit up on her knee. I was mortified! Rita said “Don’t worry about it. It’s not a big deal.” To her, it really wasn’t! She was such a caring and giving person. We are honored and blessed to have known her and have had her in our lives. I know she’s laughing and enjoying being with her loved ones and the Lord in heaven!
Thank you for the heartfelt sentiments Susie and Paul. My Mom loved you all very much!!
I met Rita in 2000 when I saw Dr. Cowden for the first time. Rita was working with Dr. Cowden as his assistant.
It was my first experience with the Natural side of Naturopathic care under a naturopathic Doctor. Rita was very kind and explained everything to do with my health protocols and gave me her number if I had any questions.
I certainly had questions, and we formed a friendship over the years as I had to visit her home for all my supplemental needs. As time went on, we became good friends, spoke on the phone regularly and even took a few trips,one to Canada and various places in Texas. She liked to gab, but also had a talent for listening to whatever conversation we both would strike up. She and her assistant, Bobbie Bass came to my home on two different occasions, one when I was ill and the second time was to visit my Dear Mother before she passed away. Bobbie has remained a dear friend to me as well and I am thankful we can reminisce about our past with Rita.
Rita,will be greatly missed by so many, however she spoke a lot about going to her eternal home over her last 6 months on earth in almost all of our conversations. RIP, girl, and please hug my Mother’s neck for me and let her know how much I miss her.
Beverly Stratton
Thank you Beverly. Appreciate your kind words and my Mom loved the memories of your trip to Canada!