Rita Irene Young (Rutland), known to many as "Bigmomma," departed this life on February 3, 2024, at the age of 72, in Opelika, Alabama. Born on October 30, 1951, she was the beloved daughter of the late Lewis Rutland and Mary Hall.

Rita leaves behind her devoted husband of many years, Ron Young. She was the loving mother of Keith Turner (Diana) and Kim Renfroe (Michael) and the proud grandmother to Johnathan Turner, Elizabeth Atkinson (Braden), Natalie Exum, JonMichael Renfroe, and Anna Turner. Her joy was multiplied by her great-grandchildren, Braxton and Jane-Anne Exum, and Autumn Collins-Turner… and a very special friend Doreen Macon.

She is also survived by her dear brothers, Gene Rutland (Jo) and Windell Rutland (Gayle). Rita's life was one of service and love, demonstrated through her ownership and operation of a daycare, where she cared for children as if they were her own.

Rita's pastimes included treasured moments with her family, evenings playing bingo, the excitement of poker machines, watching her favorite soap operas and game shows and in earlier years participating in golf and bowling. She was also a fan of Auburn football.

A service to honor Rita's life will be held at 12:00 PM on February 10, 2024, at the Frederick-Dean Funeral Home & Crematory in Opelika, Alabama. The funeral home is overseeing the arrangements with great care and respect.

Rita Irene Young will be remembered as a woman of warmth, generosity, and humor. Her loving presence and the happy memories she created will be held dear by all who knew her. Her spirit will continue to be a guiding light for her family and the many lives she touched.