Rita Kay Brown Matthews Werner, 70, passed from this world into her beloved Savior's arms on September 6, 2024, in Taylorville. 

Rita was born on December 8, 1953, in Taylorville to William J. and Rosemary K. (Arneson) Brown.  Rita graduated Taylorville High School and went on to Lincoln Land Community College and also Northern Illinois University.  She spent the final years of her career working as an Executive Secretary at IEMA for over 25 years.

Rita was extremely talented at sewing and crafting and shared her gifts with others in many ways.  She decided to combine her talent with her deep faith and love of Christ by creating a sewing group at her church to teach the skills to the next generation.  Rita began "God's Girls" with three young ladies, and it continued to grow.  She taught them how to sew and combined that with Scripture to help them grow in their faith.  She was always extremely generous to others.  She also loved animals and adopted several dogs and cats from rescue groups over the years.

Rita is survived by her son, Jason Matthews of Taylorville, whom she loved so very much.  She is also survived by siblings William Brown (Irvine, CA), Robert Brown (Taylorville, IL), Mary (Jeff) Oller (Houston, TX), and Kathy (Dave) Driskell (Taylorville, IL) as well as many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Stephen Brown.

Per Rita's wishes, cremation rites are to be accorded with a Memorial Service taking place on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 2:00pm at the Evangelical Free Church in Taylorville, IL.

In lieu of flowers, she has requested donations be made in her memory to Evangelical Free Church or Fur Love in support of the Animal Shelter project, both in Taylorville, IL.   McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.