Rita Kay Harden, 78, passed away on June 18, 2025 after a valiant fight with cancer. She was a daughter of the late Marie O'Neal and Willard Nolan Harden. She is survived by her loving sister, Marilyn Sue Harden Hayes of Aiken, South Carolina and devoted nephews, Michael Robert Hayes of Greenville, SC and Patrick David Hayes and wife, Susan, of Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina. She had been a beloved sister-in-law of the late Dr. David W. Hayes. Rita will be missed by several cousins including, Kathy O'Neal Childers, who helped facilitate her care, and many kind and devoted friends.

Rita was a graduate of Sunset High School and North Texas State University. She retired from a career in lease records management with several Dallas-based oil companies. She was active in Desk and Derrick, a professional organization for women in the oil and gas industry, and in the Carrollton Country Place women's organization, Country Gals, having served several terms as president. Her love of travel took her across Europe, Africa, and many parts of the United States. Much of her travel in the U.S. was inspired by her longstanding interest, expertise, and collection of American art pottery.

Rita was known for her sparkling personality and expressions of friendship and humor. She was truly a life well lived, loved, and lauded.

Burial and service will be private.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider making a donation to The Salvation Army or Operation Kindness at donate2impact.com.