Ms. Rita Mae Wheat's Obituary
Rita Mae Wheat (RiRi), age 72, of Bogalusa, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 11,
2025.
Born and raised in Bogalusa, Rita dedicated her life to family, friendship, and hard work. She
became a licensed hairdresser and later worked many years at Thomas’s Restaurant, where she
built cherished connections with coworkers and patrons alike.
Though Rita had no children of her own, she had a mother’s heart, she played a cherished and
central role in the lives of her nieces and nephews, loving and raising them as if they were her
own. She was a fierce, loyal and kind-hearted woman—funny, strong-willed, and full of love,
known for her sharp wit and big heart. Her presence was a comfort and strength to all who knew
her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Hilda Wheat; Partner Stanley (Flash)Parker,
her brothers Roland, Ray, Gerald (“Bits”), and her twin Stanley; sisters Audrey Dillon and Betty
Penton; nephew Shannon Jones; and niece Renee Wheat.
Left to cherish her memory are her loving sister Neomi (Ricky) Hoyt; sister-in-law Brenda
Wheat; nieces Amy (Chris) Sinopoli, Brittany (Justin) Vaughn, Rebecca (Jessie) Buras, Sommer
(Bobby) Schilling; Sheri (Don)Parker, Renotta Smith: nephews Billy Thomas, Blake Hoyt, Payton
Butler and Preston Butler; numerous great-nieces and nephews; her lifelong best friend Debbie
(Billy) Boyles; her dear friends and neighborhood watch partners Rick and Hook as well as her
cherished neighbors who brought her companionship over the years and her beloved fur baby
“Barking” Brownie.
Rita's legacy of love, laughter, and resilience will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were lucky enough to know her.
What’s your fondest memory of Rita?
What’s a lesson you learned from Rita?
Share a story where Rita's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Rita you’ll never forget.
How did Rita make you smile?
