Biography: Rita Elizabeth Wooley, 65, passed away October 28, 2022, at home in the tender company of
her husband, children and sister. She was born November 22, 1956, to the late Vail Meek Paschal
and Rita Hefley Paschal.
Rita is survived by her husband, Brad H. Wooley; her children, Elizabeth Wooley (James Morgan)
and Bradley Wooley (Lindsey); her grandchildren, Jack Wilson Wooley and John Waylon Wooley,
all of Little Rock. She is also survived by her sister, Ronda Paschal, Denver; and her uncle,
Bill F. Hefley, Little Rock, and his family; and a close cousin, Jonijane Paxton, Little Rock.
Rita was an astute, educated woman who, both modest and confident, was always a
sparkling presence in any circle because of her kindness and inclusivity. She attended
Sullins College in Bristol, VA, and graduated from the University of Arkansas,
Fayetteville, with a B.S. in Agriculture and Home Economics. Rita went on to get her
Juris Doctorate at the Bowen School of Law in Little Rock and practiced with the Lueken
& Owings Law Firm for several years. She also served as legal counsel to Wooley
Auctioneers.
Prior to her legal career, Rita worked for the Arkansas Dept. of Natural and Cultural
Heritage, where she was a historical researcher. As a result of her work on the Trapnall
family, she wrote the publication Sketches of Life in Little Rock from 1836-1850 – Based
on the life of Frederick W. Trapnall. She was a member of the Arkansas Historical
Society.
Rita was a natural leader. She was a member of Second Presbyterian Church, where she
was a Deacon, Elder and Stephen Minister. She also played in the church’s bell choir, following
in her mother’s footsteps. Rita was a Board Member of Arkansas Women and Children First.
During her children’s school years, Rita held offices in the PTAs of Jefferson Elementary,
Pulaski Heights Junior High and Little Rock Central High, as well as actively volunteering in
fund-raising activities for Catholic High School. She was also a dedicated member of PEO Chapter W.
Apart from her family, Rita’s great love was animals, and horses ranked at the top. She
started riding as a young child, first on farm horses with broad backs, and often in the
company of her sister, Ronda, and cousin, Spencer—all three of them straddling Old
Jam-up, who was so big, their legs barely spanned his back. Rita went on to become a
champion dressage competitor on her horse, Belle, and was a member of the Ferndale
Hunt Club, where she rode in fox hunts. She loved all her dogs and wrote obituaries for
them when they passed. And, Rita felt a bond with elephants and was a member of the
Little Rock Zoo. She admired their intelligence and compassion, and their ability to feel
and express emotions. At her home by the Arkansas River, she fed birds and squirrels
equally, and enjoyed watching the river turtles sun themselves on rocks.
Not too long ago, Rita wrote the following about her roots and her life. We, her family,
feel it reflects and illuminates her soul.
I am from the smell of hay, horses and leather—Stubben saddles and Ariat boots. The
excitement of crisp morning rides and jump-filled arenas.
I am from a tall historic home with creaky wood stairs and steam radiator heat—and
always only one phone. My own home’s garden is filled with blue hydrangeas and white
peonies passed from generation to generation from my great- grandmother’s garden.
I am from a home that was filled with music, storytelling and games. Piano-players,
flautists and drummers, singing songs and reciting poems, and playing cards with my
sister and me.
I am from people who often prefer to spend time alone reading a book. Young people
were continually cautioned not to say anything at all unless it was something nice. We
were reminded that your mind is like a parachute—it only works when it is open. We
said prayers at bedtime and a blessing before our meals.
I am from people from the delta and the Ozark Mountains, who left those places to move
to Little Rock, which is my life’s home.
I am from a family that values any item previously owned by a family member. So, my
home is furnished with hand-me-downs. I cherish them, and my photos, and books. I
cherish my great-grandmother Criner’s china, which was given to her by her son who
bought it when he studied at Oxford in England. I treasure children’s clothing, saved
from the late 1800’s and carefully stored in my grandmother’s hope chest.
I am not finished; there was more to come. But my time is over.
The family wishes to thank Kitty Bowman for her dedication to and loving care of Rita.
She has been Rita’s good friend through these last years.
Funeral services, officiated by Alisa Secrest, Associate Pastor, will be held at 2 p.m.,
Friday, November 4, at Second Presbyterian Church, 600 Pleasant Valley Dr., Little
Rock. A reception will follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that
memorials be made to the Humane Society of Pulaski County, Second Presbyterian
Church or the Little Rock Zoo. Arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home; the online
guestbook can be signed at www.RuebelFuneralHome.com