Rita Blake

Rita Louise (Strickland) Blake, 79, of Port Saint Lucie, FL, passed away peacefully at home on March 27, 2026.

Born and raised in Poplar Bluff, MO, Rita was the youngest daughter of the late Clyde and Blanche (Paige) Strickland. She graduated from Lutesville High School and worked at Missouri Baptist Hospital in Saint Louis before retiring to Florida.

Rita will be remembered as an exceptionally devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her nurturing nature was felt not only by her cherished family, but also in the way she cared for her friends, patients, and even her garden. She faced a lifetime of medical challenges with characteristic resilience and determination, never allowing her trials to diminish the love she had for her friends and family. Her selfless generosity was evidenced by the presents she would buy year-round and hide until a gifting occasion arose…if she could just remember where she put them.

She is survived by her family who treasured her dearly: beloved son John, daughter-in-law Paula, grandchildren Connor, Evan, and Genevieve Blake, and best friend Patricia Foster, all of Port Saint Lucie, FL. Rita is lovingly remembered by her Missouri family: sister Irene Pool, favorite niece Tammy Harper, and the entire Deckard clan. She also leaves behind extended family and friends who will miss her greatly.

In addition to her parents, Rita was predeceased by her husband, Doyle Blake, with whom she shared 37 years of marriage, and sister Maxine Deckard.

Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation at 10am on April 11th at the Fowler-Sullivan Funeral Home, with the service at 11:00am and the burial at the Poplar Bluff City Cemetery at 11:45am

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in Rita’s memory