Rita Arlene Burge Stealey, 85, of Belpre, Ohio, passed peacefully on November 4, 2026 at Marietta Memorial Hospital. She moved from a full and rich and loving life here on earth to a life of far more fullness, richness and love in eternity with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was born on June 5, 1941, in Williamstown, West Virginia, and lived a life marked by faith in God, diligent service and steadfast love for her family and others. She was sure of her eternal destination and her family and friends are comforted by this blessed assurance as well.
Rita was the daughter of Freda and Harold Burge. She was also preceded in death by brothers and sisters Walter Piatt, Shirley Babcock, Gary Burge, Sharon Lauderman, Fred Burge, and Joe Burge. These family ties were an important part of her life, and she carried the influence of her loved ones with her throughout the years. She delighted in reviewing photo albums and reminiscing about the exciting times of her childhood in Williamstown and adult life in Belpre. She truly had a remarkably rich life and touched many lives.
She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Robert L. Stealey of Belpre, Ohio and daughters Sandra Stealey of Coolville, Ohio, and Lori Stealey of Parkersburg, West Virginia, as well as brother Don Burge of Orient, Ohio, and sister Judith Lane of Carmichael, California.
Rita graduated with a degree in Nursing from Parkersburg Community College. Having been able to achieve this education later in her life was important to her and she excelled in her academics. She began work with Avon, The Diamond Department Store, and Belpre City Schools. Later, as a registered nurse she worked with Camden Clark Hospital and Comfort Keepers. Her most loved job was working as RN for Parkersburg ophthalmologist Richard Johns, M.D. for 18 years.
Rita’s life was richly shaped by her faith in Jesus. She loved reading the Bible and listening to the Bible Broadcasting Network (BBN). Jesus was profoundly important to her, and her faith was not merely something she spoke about, but something she practiced. She attended various churches in her lifetime and made friends in many Christian circles, building relationships through a shared love of the Lord and a sincere desire to walk in His light.
She was absolutely devoted to her husband, Robert, as he was to her. They were inseparable in this life, which is what God ordained. She helped plan vacations to Myrtle Beach with their daughters and after retirement she and Robert enjoyed cruises and visits with friends in other states. She loved her brothers and sisters and was active in reunions for the family, as her mother had been.
Rita also had a special love for children. She had previously worked with the Bible Club at Coolville Elementary School, known as the Good News Club. Her own daughters benefited from her imaginative and dedicated activities with them, her unwavering love and support and her example of excellence and industriousness. She was a Girl Scout leader in Belpre and ensured a wide range of activities and camping trips for the girls in her troop. Her vibrant personality, diligence and strength made her a blessing to many.
She also had belonged to the Belpre Garden Club and delighted in having various flowers and plants in her perennial garden at home. She was an accomplished tennis player in Belpre, where her excellence and competitive spirit were well known and respected. Her love, teaching and support for all the activities of her daughters changed their lives as well. She included them in her active life of many hobbies, interests and learning, from exercise to tennis to crochet and cooking and camping. She encouraged them in their own sports, musical, art and animal-loving activities as well as their faith journeys.
Those who knew Rita will remember her as a woman of great inner strength, sincere and growing faith, and enduring love and joy. She lived her life with purpose and grace, striving to shine the light of Christ with actions, not just words. Her legacy will continue through her family, her friendships, and the many ministries she has generously supported to help carry the Gospel to the world.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Bible Broadcasting Network at bbnradio.org or Belpre Heights Church, 720 Clement Ave., Belpre, OH 45714.
A graveside service will be held Monday, November 9 at 1:00 PM at Rockland Cemetery in Belpre, OH with Pastor Gene Ferrell officiating.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.LeavittFuneralHome.com
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