Rita Faye Barlow

Rita Faye Barlow, 68, of Little Rock, passed away peacefully, loved and surrounded by her family on April 9, 2022. 

Rita was born August 20, 1953 to Charlie and Faye Sparks in Malvern, Arkansas. She graduated from Malvern High School in 1971. She continued her education at Capital City Business College with a diploma in Business Administration. 

Rita enjoyed serving the State of Arkansas, Department of Finance and Administration for 35-years. Her first position was a Secretary I and her final position was Executive Assistant to the Director of DFA. She was always grateful for the many opportunities afforded her and cherished the life-long friendships she made.

Rita’s greatest accomplishment, which made her most proud, was being the Mom to Denver Leanne and Kristi Gale. She referred to them as “My Girls”.

On October 29, 2002, after 10 years, Rita married the love of her life and her sweetheart, Tom. After her retirement in July, 2010, Tom and Rita enjoyed spending time together, traveling, and eating at their favorite restaurants. Rita enjoyed spending time with her Grands. The Grands were her greatest joy! Each one is special in their own way; and she loved the one-on-one time together! Rita loved family vacation time, family get to gathers, especially Christmas as it truly is “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”

Rita was a member of New Life Church-Saline. She loved their mission to love and serve others, come just as you are, bring your brokenness, your hurts, your pain, and your addictions. We are all sinners saved by grace and come to know Jesus as our personal Savior.

Rita is preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Faye Sparks; Sisters, Dianna Dale Draper; Bobbie Sue Bailey aka Miss Barbara; brother, Michael Paul Sparks.

Survivors include her Husband, Thomas Wayne (Tom) Barlow; Daughters, Denver Leanne (Billy) Landers and Kristi Gale Finley; Grandchildren, David Landers, Kennedy Grace Finley, Canon Landers, Stella Faith Landers, Haven Blythe Finley, and Gavin Tucker (Tank) Landers; Brother-in-laws, Wendell (Ruby) Draper and John Bailey; Aunt, Dollie Smith of Huntington, IN, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.

Rita truly was an angel here on earth with an unconditional love for her family and friends. She was a ray of sunshine and her light shined so bright. She was a precious jewel, a treasured gift and blessing to all of those that knew her. She was full of such pure joy and always praising Jesus. She was a beautiful inspiration and always radiated God’s love and kindness to others. Her unwavering faith touched so many lives. She was a faithful prayer warrior and faithful daughter of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Visitation will be held Thursday, April 14, 2022 from 5-7pm at Smith Funeral Home located at 8801 Knoedl Ct, Little Rock, AR. A celebration of her life will be Friday, April 15, 2022 at 10am at New Life Church - Saline County located at 4200 HWY 5 N, Bryant, AR.