Rita J. (McWilliams) Banning

Rita Jane (McWilliams) Banning passed away on May 12, 2026, in Fort Myers, Florida, after a short illness. She was 82. Wherever life took her, Rita Jane created a sense of home, gathered people together, and found genuine joy in caring for others. Throughout her life, she was a thoughtful and forward-thinking individual who valued compassion, fairness, and new ideas. She lived a full and vibrant life and leaves behind a cherished legacy of wisdom, love, friendship, and kindness.

Rita Jane was born on November 1, 1943, in Milltown, Harrison County, Indiana, to Billy and Mary (Atz) McWilliams. From her earliest days, she was shaped by the love of family and the small-town community that remained dear to her heart throughout her life. She was preceded in death by her parents and by her beloved daughter, Rachel (Banning) Blom, who was the light of her life.

Raised in a close-knit family and surrounded by grandparents and cousins, Rita Jane grew up with a deep appreciation for love, loyalty, and the importance of staying connected to others. Those early experiences shaped the generous and caring spirit that would guide her throughout her life. She graduated from Milltown High School in 1961 and went on to attend Purdue University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Speech Therapy in 1965 and later a Master of Education in Special Education in 1974. Her years of study reflected not only her intelligence and determination, but also her desire to serve others in meaningful ways.

Rita Jane devoted 25 years to serving others as a speech therapist and teacher. She found great pleasure in helping others grow and succeed, and her work reflected both her skill and her generous heart. In 1988, she began working part-time for Collette Vacations, and in 1990, she retired from education to begin a second full-time career as a Tour Manager and Tour Guide Trainer. This new chapter allowed her to share her love of travel, discovery, and connection with people. Her work took her mainly to Europe and Australia, where she enjoyed creating memorable experiences and helping others see the world. Even after retiring from full-time guiding in 2008, she continued working seasonally for Collette and especially treasured her tours to Switzerland, Germany, and Australia.

Wherever life took her, Rita Jane had a gift for making people feel welcome, bringing them together, and turning strangers into lifelong friends. She found deep joy in caring for others and creating meaningful memories. She loved planning holiday celebrations and large gatherings, often cooking for more than 100 people with enthusiasm, generosity, and pride. In the kitchen, she was lovingly in charge—the one who knew exactly what needed to be done, who should be doing it, and how it ought to turn out. With warmth, confidence, and a little bit of humor, she kept everything moving, making sure every dish was prepared just right and every helper stayed on task. She enjoyed

morning swims, writing her weekly chronicle, learning new things, reading or listening to a good book, volunteering, gardening, traveling, and cheering on her beloved Purdue Boilermakers. A devoted member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Lehigh Acres, Florida, Rita Jane cherished her church family and found deep purpose in worship, service, and fellowship. Her faith was an important part of her daily life, and she gave her time and energy generously, especially when the church faced difficult days. In those moments, she was a steady and caring presence, offering both practical help and heartfelt encouragement. She will be remembered for her warm heart, vibrant spirit, generous nature, and the joy she brought to so many lives.

Rita Jane is lovingly remembered by her son, Benjamin Banning of Pawtucket, Rhode Island; her grandchildren, Matthew Blom and his wife, Jane, of Winooski, Vermont, and Jessica Blom of West Granby, Connecticut; as well as several extended family members and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

Her family is deeply grateful to Paula Book, Sheila Davis, Mary Jane Bobay, Jim McDonald, Robin Grace, and all of Rita Jane’s friends and the Carriage Village community for the kindness, love, and support they shared so generously.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Rita Jane’s life on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Milltown Christian Church, 214 East Main Street NW, Milltown, Indiana. The service will be led by Rita’s cousin, Jim McDonald. All who knew and loved Rita Jane are welcome to remain after the service for a meal and time of fellowship in the church basement. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Rita Jane Banning’s memory to Boston Children’s Hospital, 401 Park Drive, Suite 602, Boston, MA 02215.

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