Bethel, Vt. — Rita F. Turner, 96, longtime Bethel resident, died Friday afternoon, Feb. 17, 2017 at Rutland Health and Rehabilitation Center.

She was born in Royalton, Vt.; the daughter of Arthur E. and Iva (Russ) Wood and attended a one room school on Russ Hill in Royalton.  She graduated from South Royalton High School in 1941.  Rita was married to Olin A. Turner in Hattiesburg, Miss. on March 3, 1942.  She worked at Carter’s in Lebanon, N.H., Van Raalte in Randolph, and for 20 years at G.W. Plastics in Bethel until retiring in 1984.  She enjoyed her flower garden, especially the roses, cooking and spending time at their camp at Lake Hortonia in Sudbury.  She was a talented seamstress and enjoyed making quilts and articles of clothing for herself and others.

Survivors include her son Steven Turner and wife Jane of Pittsfield; grandchildren, Theresa M. Turner and companion Tony Fletcher of Barre, and Brett S. Turner and wife Karen of Bethel; great-grandchildren Gavin and Toni Ann Turner; sister-in-law Mildred Wood of Milton.  She was predeceased by her husband in 2004; son, Roger Turner in 1999, sister Marion Button and her husband Joe, brothers Newell Wood and his wife Barbara, and Duane Wood.

Graveside Services at Fairview Cemetery in Bethel will be announced in the Spring. There are no calling hours. Online condolences may be left at www.dayfunerals.com.  Arrangements are by the Day Funeral Home in Randolph.