Rita Calvert (née Stuart), born July 6, 1933, in Owensboro, Kentucky, joined her savior, Jesus Christ, on June 15, 2021 surrounded by loving family. Nicknamed ‘Tiny’ at birth, Rita joined her parents and her handsome older brother Mac to complete the small, happy family that made their home in Evansville.
Upon graduating as salutatorian from Bosse High School in Evansville in 1950, Rita attended Evansville College on a full academic scholarship. She subsequently transferred to Georgetown College in Georgetown, Ky. where she studied theology and sociology, graduating in 1955 with academic honors. While attending Georgetown College, Rita met and married her college sweetheart, Fred D. Owens. The family moved frequently over the years to accommodate Fred’s medical training. Rita worked to support her husband through his training and early career, and she also took great pleasure in creating lovely homes where family and friends were welcomed with music, love, and fellowship. Her boundless enthusiasm and magical creativity made every holiday and birthday a special occasion.
Rita became a licensed interior designer in 1976 while continuing to raise her family in Dallas, Texas. She then formed a successful design business in Port Aransas, Texas where, during the real estate boom of the 1980s, she was the only designer in the area. In the early 1990s she returned to Dallas, Texas continuing to work in design, however, she also discovered a new passion working for peace and justice issues at the Dallas Peace Center. She traveled to many interesting places and crossed paths and/or worked with fellow activists including Father Roy Bourgeoise, Dr Helen Caldicott, President Oscar Arias of Costa Rica, and even President Jimmy Carter. Rita’s work focused on conflict resolution, prevention of gun violence, and achieving peace and justice for people all over the world.
After visiting Costa Rica, Rita and her husband became temporary residents – residing there on and off until 2010. While living in Costa Rica, Rita worked with the University for Peace in San José. Rita and Charles enjoyed hosting visitors in their lovely home near Los Sueños on the Pacific Coast. They loved the beautiful beaches, jungles, and cloud forests, and they thrived in the cultural diversity of their adopted country.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin C Stuart and Bernice Moore Stuart, her beloved brother, Malcolm Stuart, her sister-in-law Sharon, her husband, Charles Calvert, and her nephew, Robbie Stuart.
She is survived by her most excellent canine companion, Posey, and five children: Andy Owens, Marci Bent, Scott Owens, Dan Owens, Bob Owens, and their respective spouses. She also leaves twelve grandchildren: Amelia McVay and Aaron Owens; Nick Stillwell, Satchel Stillwell, and Jimmy Bent; Stuart Owens and Cameron Owens; Caitlin Owens, Conor Owens, and Molly Owens; and Bryn and Burke Owens. She was blessed with five great grandchildren: Lucy, Landon, and Cash Stillwell; Hallie Käthe Stillwell; and Violet McVay. She is also survived by her beloved nieces, Elaine Thoms, Teresa Lobmeyer, and Holly Stuart plus six grand-nieces and grand nephews, and one great grandnephew. Rita was an active member of the Mennonite Peace Church of Plano, Texas.
Donations in her memory can be made to the Young Center of Immigrant Children’s Rights at: theyoungcenter.org A service will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Hazel Creek Baptist Church, Greenville, on August 7th, 2021. For information regarding the service, please contact Andy Owens at (828) 719-6912.
