Rita Garst Lee

Rita Garst Lee, 84, of Bedford passed away on Sunday, April 18, 2021 at her residence. She was born on May 5, 1936 in Roanoke, VA. A daughter of the late Maurice Garst and Virginia Hylton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Buford Lee, son, Robin Lee and her brother, Gary Hylton.

Rita was a very independent, friendly, dependable, and Godly woman who loved her family so. She worked for Carilion healthcare in Bedford before retiring. Her strong work ethic and dedication during her career and afterwards was so obvious. Her family was her everything, especially her grandkids. Rita was a member of Bedford Baptist Church. Her legacy will live on throughout the family and she will be missed dearly.

Rita is survived by her three children, Larry Lee and wife, Rumiani, Maurice Lee and wife, Sherry and Annette Patterson; eight grandchildren, Dana, Allison, Mey, Miranda, Alexandria, Marshall, Samantha and Ridwan; seven great-grandchildren, Reagan, Irvink, Austin, Kinlee, Raymond, Randall and Novalee; two sisters, Joyce Hylton and Trudy McDaniel. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and so many friends.

For those wishing to make memorial contributions please consider The Bedford Baptist Church Boiler, American Cancer Society, or The Bedford Humane Society.

A graveside service and celebration of Rita’s life will be private. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford from 5:00 until 7:00pm. To send condolences online please visit obituaries.tharpfuneralhome.com. Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford is assisting the family.