Rita Joyce (Cauthon) McManus

Funeral services for Rita Joyce (Cauthon) McManus, 78, of Owasso, OK, were held Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Apostolic Worship Center in Catoosa, OK. Reverend Kyle Holt, Reverend Don Martin and Reverend Matt Garwick officiated, and burial was in Floral Haven Cemetery in Broken Arrow, OK. Casket bearers were Jonathan Oliver, Jason Dick, Brandon Hurd, Rev. Tanner Friend, Steve Cowie, and Ashton Stevenson. Honorary Casket Bearers were Mark Kroeger, Joshua Matthews, Rev. James Bethel, and Rick Cross.

Rita was born on August 22, 1946, in Vinita, OK, to Jasper G. and Naomi L. (Beisley) Cauthon.

She was the youngest of three children and, as the baby of the family, she knew how to keep everyone on their toes. In her teenage years, she worked at Conrad Farms in Bixby, picking fruits and vegetables. It was there, in the middle of a sun-drenched field, that fate stepped in—disguised as a flying tomato. A young man tossed it her way (chivalry, 1960s style), and instead of throwing it back, she eventually married him. That tomato-thrower turned out to be the love of her life, Vernon McManus, and the two were married on July 13, 1963. Together they raised three children: Vernon Wayne, Judy Ann, and Michael Monroe. Later in life, they adopted their granddaughter, Shalena, when she was just ten years old. From that point on, Shalena was lovingly (and loudly) crowned the favorite child—a title she reminds the family of at every opportunity, just to make sure they don’t forget. Rita dedicated much of her career to caring for newborns in the nursery at St. Francis Medical Facility. She had a deep love for babies, but an even deeper love for Scrabble, word puzzles, and Columbo on Saturday nights. She could spell circles around anyone brave enough to challenge her. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family—and perhaps a little from driving Shalena (a.k.a. Nernie) crazy, because, after all, she was the favorite. Rita’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. Her favorite book was the Bible, which she read cover to cover many times. On the day before she passed, her vision had faded, and she asked her daughter-in-law, Rachael, to read from the book of Proverbs—her heart still anchored in wisdom and the Word. She was baptized in Jesus’ name on November 11, 1974, and received the gift of the Holy Ghost on December 15, 1974. Her favorite thing to talk about was “That Holy Ghost”—and she never missed a chance to do so.

She is survived by her sons, Vernon Wayne McManus and wife, Janet of Collinsville, and Michael Monroe McManus and wife, Rachael of Ravenna, NE; daughter, Shalena Diane Pece and husband, Timothy of Owasso. She leaves behind a legacy of love in her grandchildren, Katrina Lawson, Krystal Wilson, Victoria Pizzigoni, Mark Kroger, Jonathan Oliver, Mikaela McManus, Autumn McManus, Skylar Stevenson, Maci Pece, and Savanah Pece; as well as five great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved sweetheart, Vernon McManus; daughter, Judy McManus; parents, Jasper and Naomi Cauthon; and her brother, Gary Cauthon.

Arrangements and services were entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home, Sperry.

Online condolences to the family can be made at johnsonsperry.com.