Rita Renee Doan, 65, of Springfield, Missouri, unexpectedly passed away on September 4, 2025. She was born on February 25, 1960, and was a lifelong resident of her hometown.

Rita was a beloved daughter, devoted mother, doting grandmother, and cherished sister. She lived her life with exceptional flair and profound joy, often seen with a bright smile and raucous laughter. She was baptized at Macedonia Baptist Church. Rita dedicated much of her life to her career in the food industry, working at KFC, where her engaging personality and genuine warmth shone brightly. Her passion for family was evident in everything she did.

She experienced many fun times throughout her life and especially enjoyed traveling. She visited her three sons in Hawaii on more than one occasion, then visited two of them in Texas many times after they relocated. She also loved visiting her brother Randy and his family in California before he moved back to Missouri. Her mother, Janice, was able to accompany her on many of these trips, and they made unforgettable memories together. Rita loved going out to eat, especially for Asian food and seafood. She also loved music, dancing, and the ocean. Her greatest joy was her three sons—Deland, Carmichael, and Brandon—and her six grandchildren.

She is survived by her mother and stepfather, Janice and Gary Watts; her three sons and their spouses, Deland Doan (Chelsea Hayhurst), Carmichael Doan (Samantha Lee), and Brandon Doan; her four brothers and their spouses, Ricky and Sherry Houston, Randy and Cindy Houston, Greg and Kirsten Houston, and Jeff and Amy Watts; and her six grandchildren, Natalie, Emelyn, Kyle, Kieran, Olivia, and Aurora. She is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Rita was preceded in death by her grandparents, Gladys and Bill Hubbard, her great-grandmother, Bertha Trent, and three uncles. The family takes comfort in knowing her beloved Grandma Hubbard wrapped Rita in her arms when she arrived in Heaven.

A service to celebrate Rita’s spirit will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North. Family and friends are invited to gather to honor her memory and share their stories, ensuring her legacy of love and kindness will live on in the hearts of all she touched.

1 Thessalonians 4:17-18: After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.

Matthew 5:4: Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Psalm 147:3: He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared below.