Clara “Rita” Caldwell ReedRossville

Clara Rita (Caldwell) Reed entered into eternal rest on Monday, March 3, 2025.

Rita, as she was known to most, was born in Chattanooga, TN., on February 12, 1934. She graduated from Central High School, Class of 1952.

Rita and her husband Jim married in 1953, and settled in Rossville, GA, after living in San Diego during Jim’s military service. Rita went on to nursing school and proudly worked as an LPN at Hutcheson Memorial Hospital, specializing in Labor and Delivery nursing.

Rita is survived by her four children: Susan Green (Charles), Lisa Smith (Randy), Connie Woodworth (Reed), and Jay Reed (Machelle). She was blessed by eight grandchildren: Amy, Kelly, Jason, Holley, Bobby, Kristen, Rebecca, and Melaney. And she was overjoyed to have thirteen great-grandchildren: Lee, Rob, Nora, Abigail, Scott, Clint, Piper, Trenton, Patrick, Seth, Gracie, JD, and Emma.

Rita was well loved and cared for by the communities at Rosewood Assisted Living, Parkside at Hutcheson Memorial, and Life Care Center of Ooltewah.

Rita was predeceased by her loving husband Jim Reed, her parents Garland and Nell Caldwell, her brother and sister-in-law Jim and Judy Caldwell, and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2025. A graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, March 7, 2025, at Chattanooga National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor can be made to Hospice of Chattanooga (https://www.hospiceofchattanooga.org/donations). Online guest book at www.wilsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by W. L. Wilson & Sons Funeral Homes, Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia.