Trending
Rita Arlene Burge Stealey, 85, of Belpre, Ohio, passed peacefully on November 4, 2026, at Marietta Memorial Hospital. She moved from a full and rich and loving life, here on earth, to a life of far more fullness, richness and love in eternity with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
She was born on June 5, 1941, in Williamstown, West Virginia, the daughter of the late Freda and Harold Burge. She was also preceded in death by brothers Walter Piatt, Gary Burge, Fred Burge, and Joe Burge and sisters Shirley Babcock and Sharon Lauderman.
She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Robert L. Stealey of Belpre, Ohio and daughters Sandra Stealey of Coolville, Ohio, and Lori Stealey of Parkersburg, West Virginia, as well as brother Don Burge of Orient, Ohio, and sister Judith Lane of Carmichael, California and many nieces and nephews.
Rita was first and foremost a wife, mother and homemaker but later was employed by Avon, the Diamond department store and the Belpre School system. After earning a nursing degree later in life she worked at Camden Clark Hospital and Comfort Keepers and finally in her favorite job, with Richard Johns, MD for 18 years.
Rita's life was richly shaped by her faith in Jesus. She loved reading the Bible and listening to BBN. Jesus was profoundly important to her, and her faith was not merely something she spoke about, but something she practiced. She attended various churches in her lifetime and was continuing to grow in her faith until the end of her life here on earth.
She was absolutely devoted to her husband, Robert, as he was to her. They were inseparable in this life, which is what God ordained. She enjoyed flowers, the family reunion, travel to Myrtle Beach, cruises and many other activities. She loved children and had previously worked with the Good News Club at Coolville Elementary School and as a Girl Scout leader. She encouraged and supported her daughters in their own Christian walks and in sports, musical, art, craft and animal-loving activities.
Graveside services, arranged through Leavitt Funeral Home Belpre, will be held at Rockland Cemetery, Belpre, Ohio Monday, November 9 at 1 PM with Pastor Gene Ferrell officiating. In lieu of flowers, it would be a great honor to Rita’s memory for donations to be made to the Bible Broadcasting Network at bbnradio.org or Belpre Heights Church, 720 Clement Avenue, Belpre, OH 45714. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.LeavittFuneralHome.com