Rita M. Elliott

Rita M Elliott age 82 of Salem, Indiana passed away Friday, August 23, 2024, at her home in Salem, Indiana. Born July 1, 1942, in Salem Indiana, she was the daughter of the late Harold Windell and Geneva Ruth (Morgan) Naugle.

She grew up in the West Point community of Gibson Township and was a lifelong resident of Washington County. She graduated from Salem High School in 1960. She attended Ball State University receiving her bachelor’s degree in 1963, and a master’s degree in 1965. She briefly worked at Scottsburg as an English teacher before becoming the first librarian at the Salem middle school. She retired teaching after more than 40 years of service.

She lovingly served Christ, her family and her community. She was an active member of the Canton United Methodist Church where she served in many capacities, including playing the piano for nearly 50 years. She served the greater United Methodist Church through service in the United Methodist Women’s organization and in several district offices. Within the local community she was a member of the Washington County Foundation Board, as well as many other organizations. While she enjoyed her years teaching, meeting with friends and ‘getting things done,’ nothing brought her more joy than her ice cream and putt-putt outings with her grandson over the years.

On April 7, 1963, she married Von O Elliott, who passed away April 16, 2010.

Survivors include: 1 Son: Paul W. (Kathryn) Elliott of Salem, 3 Brothers Burl Naugle of Murray Kentucky, Boyd Naugle of Louisville Kentucky and Brad Naugle of Salem and 1 Grandson: James F Elliott of Salem.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and 2 sisters, Linda (Naugle) Stamper and Marcia (Naugle) Senn.

Funeral Service: 11:30 am Friday August 30 at Canton United Methodist Church followed by interment in Franklin Cemetery.

Visitation: 4 to 8 pm Thursday at Dawalt Funeral Home and after 10 am Friday at the Church.

Memorial Contributions to:
Washington County Community Foundation
The Von and Rita Elliott Touch Tomorrow Fund
1707 North Shelby Street, Suite 100
Salem, Indiana 47167
http://www.wccf.biz/

Or to:

Hosparus Health Southern Indiana
502 Hausfeldt Lane
New Albany, IN 47150
https://hosparushealth.org/donate/