Rita May Walker McClure

RITA MAY WALKER MCCLURE, age 67, of Little Rock, peacefully left us on Monday, Dec. 23, 2013, with her family at her side. She was born Nov. 27, 1946 and grew up in Camden, Ark. and was a long-time resident of Hot Springs, then Little Rock. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Leslie and Inice Walker; sister, Sue Weaver,and brothers-in-law, Robert Earl Smithpeters and George McNabb. Rita graduated from UALR with a master's degree in social work. She was a licensed clinical social worker at Community Counseling Services in Hot Springs before opening a private practice where she touched so many lives as a therapist. She was especially proud of her group therapy work with veterans. Later in her career, as a social worker at the HSC Medical Center, Rehab Unit, she was able to be a caring friend and advocate to patients in times of need. Rita was progressive, open minded and ahead of her time in many ways. She fiercely loved her family and her friends and her positive attitude, courage and generosity were an inspiration to all that knew her. The world is truly a better place because of Rita May. Rita is survived by her two daughters, Tish McClure and Kami McClure (Roger Dayan); grandchildren, Margot Dayan and Jonah Dayan; her longtime companion, Reece Stiles (who gave her many years of love, laughter and friendship); brothers, Mike Walker (Ann) and Tommy Walker (Linda); brother-in-law, Vernon Weaver (Sue, deceased); mother-in-law, Stella McClure and sisters-in-law, Barbara Monteith, Shirley Smithpeters and Laverne McNabb. A celebration of Rita May's life will be Dec. 28 at 2 p.m. at Ruebel Funeral Home. As an alternative to flowers, donations can be made to Paws4HopeLCA.org. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.