Rita Jean Shader

June 7, 1948 - November 9, 2022
Rita Jean Shader

Gifts & Memorial Donations

Rita Jean Shader, 74, of Hendersonville, NC, died Wednesday, November 9, 2022.

A native of Hoboken, NJ she the daughter of Christina Sabella and the late Duilio Sabella.

Having lived in Melbourne, FL before moving to Hendersonville, she was a church secretary and a supervisor of elections analyst for Brevard County, FL.  Rita was a member of Mills River Presbyterian and the Iona Community Scotland.  She enjoyed cooking, sewing, reading, crocheting, volunteering, Scottish and Celtic culture, newsletter editor, and tap dancing.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Richard Shader; two daughters, Jennifer Richard (Michael) of Wellford, SC and Amy Slaven (Geoff) of Hendersonville, NC; six grandchildren, Michael Richard (Jennifer), Nick Richard, Kristof Weiss (Kim), Bradley Weiss, Joseph Richard, and Morgan Slaven; two great-grandchildren, Hayden Richard and Logan Richard; and a brother, William Sabella (Dora) of Chester, NY.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, December 4, 2022 at Mills River Presbyterian Church in Mills River, NC with Rev. Megan McMillan.

Memorials may be made to: Mills River Presbyterian Church, 10 Presbyterian Road, Mills River, NC 28759.


Memorial Service

Sunday, December 4, 2022
3:00 PM

Mills River Presbyterian Church - Directions
10 Presbyterian Church Road
Mills River, NC 28759

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  • December 31, 2022
    Mary (Graziano) Williams says:
    My condolences to your family. I never met Rita, but would have loved to know her personally. We connected through other family members working together on our family trees. We are 2nd cousins, tracing our Italian roots to San Fele, Italy. She was a lovely person.

  • November 28, 2022
    David Coates says:
    Rita was such a good neighbor and dear friend to Amelia and me. Among many memories, she will be remembered for her continual desire to be helpful in any situation. She truly cared for others. She will be missed.

  • November 21, 2022
    Ruth Robbins says:
    I was lucky to know Rita through her Mom, Christina. She welcomed my husband and I with open arms. I had many conversations on the phone with her, and will miss our calls! Rest In Peace! My thoughts and prayers for her entire family!

  • November 21, 2022
    Deborah Slaven says:
    Rita is the most loving and caring person we have ever met. We will miss our dear friend. She was always so sweet and kind. Our thoughts and prayers for the family. We love all of you! Steve & Deborah Slaven and Family