Rita Jean Cochrane's Obituary
Rita Jean Cochrane, 82, passed away on May 8, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones.
Rita was a devoted and proud mother to seven children, Pam Billmyer, Jeri Gates, Cynthia Lewis, James Cochrane Jr., Gideon Cochrane, Bruce Cochrane, and Sharon Gillyard. She was also a doting grandmother to eighteen grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. To many, she was a second mother who offered words of wisdom and encouragement whenever they were needed.
Rita's selfless nature, strength, humor, spunk, and fierce independence were admired by all who knew her. Her famous grilled cheese sandwiches and conversations over coffee on her porch were just a few of the many cherished memories she leaves behind. She loved shopping, rearranging furniture (even when it was too heavy for her to lift), and dancing to any tune that caught her attention, especially Elvis Presley. Rita relished lunch and dinner dates with friends and family, and she was always ready to join in on a prank.
Rita is survived by her seven children, and her grandchildren: Melissa Billmyer, Andrew Billmyer, Trisha Tracy, Nisha Sparks, Elisha Frazier, James Lewis, Jack Lewis, Alicia Cochrane, Denise Cochrane, Kyla Dalton, Athena Cochrane, Layla Cochrane, Troy Gillyard, Tim Sankey, Noah Cochrane, Allison Cochrane, Lauren Cochrane, Ashley Tracy, Brenden Tracy, Reagan Tracy, Jade Frazier, Nikkia Frazier, Owen Frazier, Mathew Frazier, Tyler Sparks, Claire Carrico, and Camren Crayton.
Rita was predeceased by her husband James Cochrane Sr. and grandsons Jacob Cochrane and Trenton Sparks and her mother, Rita Bailes. Her loved ones will remember her for the joy she brought into their lives, the impact she made on their hearts and the sassy personality that made her unforgettable.
A Funeral Service will be held Friday, May12, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at Williams-Thomas Funeral Home Westarea, 823 NW 143rd St. with Dr. Robin Thomas officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 5:00 p.m. Interment will be at Florida National Cemetery at a later date.
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