Rita Joann Duffer, 83, of Bentonville, Arkansas passed away July 10, 2025. She was born on March 6, 1942 in Enid, Oklahoma to the late Howard and Leona Graham Withers. She was united in marriage to her loving husband, Jim Duffer, on May 31, 1963. Their marriage was a testament of love and devotion. Mrs. Duffer taught second grade at Glenn Duffy Elementary in Gravette, Arkansas for 30 years. She attended Fellowship Bible Church in Northwest Arkansas for 33 years and opened her home to the Young Life Christian Youth Organization for 17 years. She was a skilled seamstress and crocheter. Rita loved traveling and enjoyed many cruises with her husband, Jim. She also found joy in skiing the mountains of Colorado with her family.

She is survived by her husband of sixty-two years, Jim Duffer, of the home; daughters, Julie Speed and her husband, Bo, of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, Ammie Burrow and her husband, Lane, of Bentonville, Arkansas; grandchildren, Graham Burrow, J.D. Speed and his wife Ariana, Avery Burrow and his wife Jillian, Cole Speed and his wife Madison, and Emmeline Burrow; great grandchildren, Stetson Speed, Sterling Speed, and Saddler Speed (to be born December 2025); brother, Larry Withers and his wife Roberta of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Rita's dearest
friends "The Gabby Girls" and many other beloved family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Fellowship Bible Church in Rogers, Arkansas at 1051 W. Pleasant Grove Road. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. with a service at 2:00 p.m. July 18, 2025. Interment of ashes will follow for the family at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Gravette, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers you can send donations to the Young Life Organization , P.O. Box 1325, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701.

"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also."
John 14: 1-3