On Monday, November 18 ^th , 2019 Rita Mae (Cude) Guntharp, loving wife and mother of two children passed away at the age of 76 at Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House.

Rita was born February 18th, 1943 in Black Rock, Arkansas to Dee and Lora (Weir) Cude.  She attended high school in Black Rock where she graduated as Salutatorian.  She completed her Bachelor of Science in Education (1965) and her Master of Science of Education (1968) from Arkansas State University.

Rita was a dedicated teacher in elementary education for 28 years.  Her teaching career began in Fisk and Fox School districts in Missouri, before moving to Hoxie, Arkansas, and culminating in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.   After retiring, she volunteered at Lakeside United Methodist Church in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where she continued her passion for helping others.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Jimmy Cude.

She is survived by her husband of 52 years G. David Guntharp, two sons Greg (Rebecca) Guntharp of Huntsville, Alabama and Steven (Claudia) Guntharp of Sherwood, Arkansas, two siblings Mary (Joe) Videll of Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, Jerry (Libby) Cude of Conway, Arkansas, four granddaughters, Caroline, Madelyn, Chloe, and Charlotte Guntharp, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be sons: Greg and Steven Guntharp, nephews:  Jeff and Mike Cude, Travis Guntharp, and Mark Blankenship.

Visitation will be held on November 22 , 2019 from 6 to 8 P.M.  The funeral service will be November 23, 2019 at 10 A.M. Both will be held at Cox Funeral Home in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. Burial will follow at Oak Forest Cemetery in Black Rock, Arkansas.

The family wishes to express deep gratitude to caregivers Tara Parten, Rhonda Hurley, and Barbara Brown, RN.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House at 1148 E. Matthews Ave, Jonesboro, AR 72401.