Rita Estes Brantham
Rita Estes Brantham, 71, of Ringgold, Georgia, entered into the arms of Jesus, on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at her home with her family by her side.
Rita had lived most of her life in the Chattanooga and North Georgia area. She was a 1971 graduate of Stockbridge High School in Stockbridge, Ga., and she attended Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga. Rita retired from Suntrust Bank in 2010 with 32 years of service and she was a member of Christ First Church in Lafayette. Over decades of her life across several churches, Rita served in many ministries, especially the nursery and children’s ministries.
Rita loved life and she was full of laughter. Rita enjoyed all kinds of sports and while she was in high school, she played basketball and was a cheerleader. She taught her children to enjoy sports, as well as coaching them in soccer, softball, and basketball. During her career at Suntrust, Rita played on the bank’s softball team. Rita was known for her smile, her sense of humor, the pranks she enjoyed playing on others, and rooting on her TN Vols and Atlanta Braves. She spent many hours working in her flower gardens and doing craft work which included painting, creating birthday cards and religious tracts. The time she cherished most was spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. Rita was a good and faithful servant and her love for the Lord, and her devotion to her husband, children, and grandchildren, will forever be the legacy she leaves behind. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Helen Estes; and two sisters, Marcia LeCroy and Kay (Disque) Walker.
Survivors include her husband of nearly 50 years, Ivan Brantham; three children, Mary Beth (David) Eidson, Mark (Katie) Brantham, and Amy (Brian) White; sister, Terri Estes; brother-in-law, Jackie LeCroy; ten grandchildren, Katie Sullivan, Matthew Sullivan, Gaia Eidson, Aiden Brantham, Jameson Rodriguez, Levi Noguera, Harlyn Brantham, Connor White, Ella White, and Liam White; numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, and nephews; and her miniature dachshund, Gus.
Donations may be made in Rita’s name to: Hope Kids Ministry c/o Christ First Church 5994 N. Hwy. 27 Lafayette, GA 30728.
A worship service honoring God for the life of Rita Brantham will be held on Sunday, May 4, at 2:30 p.m. at Christ First Church 5994 North Highway 27 Lafayette, Ga. 30728 with Pastor Wayne Chasteen officiating.
Following the service, a meal will be provided where the family will receive friends and family.
Condolences may be shared with the Brantham family by visiting www.lane-southcrestchapel.com.
Arrangements are by the South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home and Crematory, Rossville.