It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, Rita Ann Harriss, age 79, of Taylorville, Illinois, who passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026, in her home surrounded by loved ones. 

Rita was born on May 17, 1947, in Taylorville, Illinois, to Leo and Ruth Durbin. She spent her life caring for others, serving her community, and creating a home and friendships that welcomed everyone who entered.

On April 2, 1966, she married the love of her life, Robert Harriss. Together they built a life rooted in love, friendship, adventure, and family, and this year celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary—an extraordinary milestone and testament to a love that lasted a lifetime. 

Rita is survived by her devoted husband, Robert Harriss; her three children: Janel Pruitt of Ft Myers, Florida; Jetta (Lori) Harriss of Taylorville, Illinois; and Jeff Harriss of Ft. Myers, Florida.

She also leaves behind two beloved grandsons: Sam (Hannah) Brubaker of Springfield, Illinois; Rolla Pruitt, stationed in Poland; and one Great-granddaughter, Summer Brubaker.

Rita is further survived by her sisters: Clara Ethridge of Taylorville, Illinois; Sarah Cattinari of Bland, Missouri; Wanda (Marion) Sparks of Nokomis, Illinois; and Mary Tex of Fairfield, Montana; and by her brother Paul (Anna) Durbin of Jeiseyville, Illinois, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her four brothers, Ernie, Wayne, Jim, and Tom.

Rita dedicated her professional life to caring for others. As a public health nurse for Christian County for more than 20 years, she vaccinated thousands of children, supported families through family planning services, and provided compassionate care to many seniors throughout the community.

Her calling to care for others began early and lived deep within her. After Robert’s service in the Navy, the two moved to Seattle, Washington, where Rita completed nursing school at Virginia Mason Hospital. Nursing was more than a career—it was an expression of who she was.

After Rita and Bob’s retirement, they found joy in the simple and meaningful things—spending time together enjoying the peace and beauty of their backyard and their lake lot on Taylorville Lake. It became a place of quiet moments, laughter, reflection, and memories shared with family and friends.

Rita was a woman full of spirit and laughter and was known, at times, to be a little ornery in the best possible way. She had a rare gift: when she met you, she remembered your name. She looked you in the eye and said it back to you—as if to remind you that you mattered and that your place in this world was seen.

She was also a published poet and author whose words painted vivid images and stirred emotion. Her writing continues to live on throughout the community, with pieces still displayed on walls and carried in memories.

But above all else, Rita was a friend.

Her children each had their own unique friendship with her—and so did many of their friends. Rita opened her heart wide and became a surrogate mother to countless people over the years. She gave all comfort, laughter, guidance, and a place to belong, a safe space with no judgement. 

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the family lake house located at 401 S. Hunt Road, Taylorville, Illinois. A short prayer service will begin at 3:00 PM. Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and join in celebrating the life of our mom, our friend, and an unforgettable woman.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Taylorville Food Pantry. 

McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.