Rita Hesidence Jenkins

Rita Hesidence Jenkins passed away, peacefully, in her sleep, on June 20, 2026 in Eatonton, Georgia, after living a long, productive, loving, and full life of 105 years. It was the anniversary of her husband, Chuck’s passing. He was waiting for her with open arms. Rita was born on March 25, 1921 in Akron, Ohio. She was the daughter of Charles and Magdolen Hesidence and the oldest of four sisters (Rita, Marie, Margie, and Pauline), and brother, Bobby. She was a graduate of Akron East High School and Northern Ohio Business College, where she was a member of Kappa Episilon Alpha Sorority. She also attended Akron University. Following graduation, Rita was an Administrative Secretary for the Civil Service. It was during her career in the Civil Service that Rita met Charles (Chuck) Jenkins at the Ravenna Arsenal, where they both worked. They married in December of 1944, settling in Akron to begin their new life together, and to start their family. Many years later, they moved to Pittsburgh, and then retired to Macon, Georgia in 1980. (Chuck preceded her in death in 1989.) Their life revolved around their 4 Children: Peggy Neuman, Chuck Jenkins (Kathy), Bill Jenkins (passed in 2020), Patty Batchelor (Billy); her Grandchildren: Brandon, Brett, Brianne, Daniel, Joseph, Anna Marie, Lauren, Madeline, Annie, Jeffrey, and Maggie; and her Great Grandchildren: Thomas, Blake, William, Aria, Orion, Patrick, Raylea, Brody, and Ollie, and numerous nieces and nephews. Throughout the years, Rita studied art under a variety of teachers in Pittsburgh and Macon. She was a member of Junior League of Akron-Witan Club. She held various offices in numerous Garden Clubs and Hospital Boards in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. She was a Volunteer with Friends of the Library and Red Cross Office, and was a Member of the Art Board, as well as a member of the Georgia Art Association. Quite the beauty herself, Rita was a gifted appreciator and artistic creator of beauty, making the world a lovelier place. Being amazingly talented, she had a wonderful eye for design, was an accomplished artist (oils, watercolors, pastels), flower-arranger, award-winning needleworker, knitter, master bridge player, seamstress, crafter, an avid reader and puzzler (crosswords, jigsaws, etc.), among her many interests and talents. Rita will be deeply missed by all who loved her. A private gathering will take place in Eatonton, GA.

Rita Hesidence Jenkins

March 25, 1921 - June 20, 2026