Rita Kay Crabtree

Heaven is filled with a little more love as my dearly departed mother, Rita K. Crabtree reunited with my father on October the 3rd, 2026.

After a yearlong battle she is finally at peace. It’s important to note that cancer never wins as she took it out with her, so we’ll call it a draw.

Rita was born on January 28th, 1954, in Oak Hill, Ohio to Delorce and Bill McNerlin. She spent much of her life professionally and personally cooking for loved ones and the imaginary army she thought was going to show up to help eat said food. She was a loving and caring mother, wife, sister, aunt, and friend.

She is survived by her son, Chad Crabtree; two granddaughters, Courtney Bevans and Sylvia Crabtree; grandson-in-law, Louis Bevans; sister, Linda Smith; and brothers, Randy and Bill McNerlin; as well as many nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews; and last but certainly not least, her long-time best friend/found sister, Emma Comer.

Along with her parents she is proceeded in death by her aforementioned husband, Harold S. Crabtree; her infant son, Timothy Crabtree; as well as her youngest sister, Peggy (McNerlin) Henry.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a to be determined future date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home of Oak Hill. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.lewisgillum.com.