Rita Fields

Rita Ollis Fields, age 79, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, March 3, 2025, after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Rita was born January 23, 1946 into the home of Audie and Bertha Ollis in Newland, North Carolina, where she graduated from Cranberry High School.

After her marriage to Gordon Zane Fields in 1964, the couple moved to Johnson City, Tennessee, where she lived out the remainder of her life. They had two children and four grandchildren.

Rita was known for her love of decorating and often volunteered her time decorating for church events. She worked for Home Interiors, while her children were young, and worked for Kmart for 18 years before her retirement from Kmart in 2002. She loved shopping and travel, and she wouldn’t miss the opportunity to do either. She’s been to nearly every state in the United States and she even got the opportunity to travel abroad to multiple destinations in Europe.

Rita faithfully attended church at University Parkway Baptist Church, where she had a very close and loving church family. She previously attended Skyline Heights Baptist Church.

Those preceding her in death include: her husband of 38 years, Gordon Zane Fields; her parents, Audie and Bertha Ollis; and a very special friend, Earl Musgrove.

Those remaining to cherish her memory include: her two children, Litisha (Reece) Miller and Branson (Regina) Fields; four grandchildren, Jacob and Sierra Miller & Zane and Emma Grace Fields; two sisters, Verta Blevins and Lois Musgrove; one brother, Wayne (Brenda) Ollis; best friend, Ruth Grapperhaus; and a special friend, Douglas Cooper.

A visitation for friends will be held from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Sunday, March 9, 2025 at University Parkway Baptist Church. The funeral service will begin immediately following the visitation at 3:00 pm. Pastor Scott Thompson will be officiating the service.

A graveside service is scheduled for 11:00 am on Monday. March 10, 2025 at Washington County Memory Gardens. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the cemetery no later than 10:50 am.

Pallbearers & Honorary Pallbearers include: Jacob Miller, Zane Fields, Phillip Freeman, David Freeman, Jason Musgrove, Nathan Musgrove, Richard Ollis, Stephen Ollis, Graham Bannister, Calvin Hoyle, and Jim Thomas.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the American Cancer Society.

Memories and condolences may be made to the family via www.morrisbaker.com.

Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 E Oakland Avenue Johnson City, Tennessee 37601, is honored to serve the family of Rita Fields. 423-282-1521.