Rita Darlene Le'Cuyer Powers

Rita Darlene Le’Cuyer Powers left this world into the arms of her Savior on February 19, 2024 peacefully surrounded by family. She was born at home in Bradley, Illinois on August 28, 1928 to Paul and Thelma LeCuyer. She soon moved to Kankakee where she graduated as Valedictorian of St. Patrick High School. Rita went on to graduate from St. Mary’s College of Nursing in Rochester, Minnesota as the first college graduate of her family. While working as Assistant Head Nurse on the Neurology Floor at the Mayo Clinic, she met her husband Wilson “Bill”. Their 60 year marriage produced five children. Rita was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was preceded in death by parents, husband, sister Linda, brother Joel, daughter-in-law Pam, and son-in-law Barry. She is survived by children Bill (Barbara), David (Patty), Nancy, Pete, and Andy (Dale); 14 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. Though small in stature, Rita was a community service dynamo. While a member of Ossoli Circle Women’s Club. She was one of the founders of the Knoxville Girls Club. She served both as President and Board Member. As a member of the Knoxville Academy of Medicine Auxiliary, she worked to pass seat belt laws as well as the baby car seat loaner program for newborns. Rita was honored for her community service. She was the recipient of the Jefferson Award by the American Institute for Public Service and the Golden Rule Award by JC Penney. In 1984, Rita was honored as the First Lady of Knoxville by Beta Sigma Phi National Women’s Sorority. Rita enjoyed working in her yard and was a founding member of the Lakemoor Hills Garden Club. She loved Vols football and basketball, and attended her last game at Neyland in 2021. In her fifties, Rita developed an interest in tennis and continued to play competitively into her eighties. She was a member of All Saints Catholic Church. The family will receive friends on Friday, February 23rd at Rose Funeral and Cremation – Mann, from 5:00-7:00pm to conclude with Rosary. Funeral Mass is Saturday February 24th at 1:00pm at All Saints Catholic Church. We will reconvene at Berry Highland Memorial cemetery at 2:45pm for a 3:00pm Committal. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Rita’s memory to the Interfaith Clinic or Catholic Charites. Online memories and condolences may be shared at rosefuneraltn.com.

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Rita Darlene Le'Cuyer Powers

August 28, 1928 - February 19, 2024