Rita Gamble Wright, 80, of Gastonia, NC, passed away on August 24, 2025. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Rita will be remembered for her love of family, her kindness, and the traditions she passed down.

Born January 25, 1945, to Joseph “O’Neil” and Martha “Jerri” Gamble. Rita was a proud graduate of Ashley High School, Class of 1963. She went on to complete her nursing degree at the Cabarrus Memorial Hospital School of Nursing and worked as a Registered Nurse for many years alongside Dr. William C. Hayes, a pediatrician in Gastonia. She dedicated her career to caring for children and their families with compassion and gentleness.

After retiring from nursing, Rita found her greatest joy in her family. She especially cherished her role as “Mamaw Rita,” a name lovingly given to her by her grandchildren. Whether she was sitting on her back porch with a glass of sweet tea or coffee, watching hummingbirds flutter around her garden, or baking her famous Christmas cookies, Rita created moments that will be remembered for generations. Her cookies, in particular, became a beloved family tradition, and if you were lucky enough to get one then it was a special treat.

Rita is survived by her husband of 59 years, Kenneth E. Wright; her daughter, Kelli Wright Howe, and husband, Nathan Adams; her grandson, Luke Gamble Howe; her granddaughter, Breezy Moon Howe (Chase Anderson Shields); and her great-grandson, Capps Anderson Shields, the newest joy of her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph “O’Neil” and Martha “Jerri” Gamble.

A service to celebrate Rita’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 30, at Myrtle United Methodist Church, with Pastor Gerald Ramsey officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, beginning at 2:00

Rita will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her steadfast love for her family, and her gift for finding joy in both the simple and extraordinary moments of life. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, and her legacy will continue to shine through her family and the many lives she touched.

Rita Gamble Wright, 80, of Gastonia, NC, passed away on August 24, 2025. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Rita will be remembered for her love of family, her kindness, and the traditions she passed down.

Born January 25, 1945, to Joseph “O’Neil” and Martha “Jerri” Gamble. Rita was a proud graduate of Ashley High School, Class of 1963. She went on to complete her nursing degree at the Cabarrus Memorial Hospital School of Nursing and worked as a Registered Nurse for many years alongside Dr. William C. Hayes, a pediatrician in Gastonia. She dedicated her career to caring for children and their families with compassion and gentleness.

After retiring from nursing, Rita found her greatest joy in her family. She especially cherished her role as “Mamaw Rita,” a name lovingly given to her by her grandchildren. Whether she was sitting on her back porch with a glass of sweet tea or coffee, watching hummingbirds flutter around her garden, or baking her famous Christmas cookies, Rita created moments that will be remembered for generations. Her cookies, in particular, became a beloved family tradition, and if you were lucky enough to get one then it was a special treat.

Rita is survived by her husband of 59 years, Kenneth E. Wright; her daughter, Kelli Wright Howe, and husband, Nathan Adams; her grandson, Luke Gamble Howe; her granddaughter, Breezy Moon Howe (Chase Anderson Shields); and her great-grandson, Capps Anderson Shields, the newest joy of her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph “O’Neil” and Martha “Jerri” Gamble.

A service to celebrate Rita’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 30, at Myrtle United Methodist Church, with Pastor Gerald Ramsey officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, beginning at 2:00

Rita will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her steadfast love for her family, and her gift for finding joy in both the simple and extraordinary moments of life. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, and her legacy will continue to shine through her family and the many lives she touched.