Rita L. Neal, 71, of Abingdon, passed away on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
Rita was born on September 24, 1955, the daughter of Marvin and Mary (Morgan) Hepner, in Galesburg, Illinois. She was a graduate of Galesburg High School. Rita married James Neal on November 16, 1974, in Wataga, Illinois. He often referred to her as Rita May. Together, they raised two sons, Jason and Jeff.
Rita devoted her life to caring for her family and cherished the time she spent with them. She was a member of the Abingdon Road Knights Car Club. In her free time, she enjoyed working on puzzles (where her boys would steal a piece), puzzle books, playing cards, reading, and watching General Hospital. Rita also loved gathering around a good bonfire with friends, where she was known to enjoy a Busch Light or two.
Rita was preceded in death by her father, Marvin Hepner; her husband, Jim Neal; and her brothers-in-law, Stan Sanders and Aaron Tessier.
Those left to cherish her memory include her mother, Mary Pattison; her sons, Jason (Alicia) Neal of Loveland, Ohio, and Jeff (Heather Thompson) Neal of Abingdon; her brothers, Terry (Jo Ellen) Hepner, Rex (Becky) Hepner, and Darrell (Mary) Hepner; her sisters, Vicky Sanders and Stacy Schafer; her grandchildren, Audrey Neal and Wyatt Neal; bonus grandchildren, Mylissa Alvarado and Jeremiah Armstrong; and her bonus great-grandchild, Cooper Dale. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and many great friends.
Cremation rites have been accorded, and a celebration of life will be held by the family on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at the Abingdon American Legion from 12-3:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Abingdon Road Knights “Jim Neal Memorial Scholarship Fund”.
