Rita B. Fowler

Rita Belcher Fowler, 81, of Petersburg, Virginia, passed away on Friday August 31, 2012. She was preceded in death by her husband MSG Lewis Loren Fowler and parents Robert Wesley and Bessie Lavenstein Belcher, son Robert Duane Fowler and a brother Robert “Bookie” Belcher. Rita spent 19 years as a military wife at the side of her beloved husband, Lou. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. Her kitchen was the hub of her home, where she regularly welcomed family and friends. In addition to a home cooked meal, all of her guests could count on her listening ear and strong shoulders. She loved to travel and particularly enjoyed time spent at gatherings. She was an avid music, television and movie buff. Rita is survived by her daughter, Melody Fowler Bage and husband, Kenneth of Hopewell; two grandchildren, Aaron Presley Bage and Sarah Hutton Bage; daughter in law, Jane Greer Fowler of Colonial Heights; two brothers, Larry Belcher of Sutherland and Monty Belcher of Petersburg; sister, Donna Belcher of Petersburg; seven nieces, Melissa Wilkins, Patty Williams, Rosie Rathbone, Katy Belcher, Loran Piotrowski, Stephanie Maximini and Nancy Fidler; five nephews, Robert Wesley Belcher, Larry Lee Belcher, Wesley Belcher, Steven Belcher and Michael Rathbone. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, September 2, 2012 at the Petersburg Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Service. A funeral Service will be conducted 1:00 PM Monday, September 3, 2012 at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Blandford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .