W.T. Shumake & Daughters

February 20, 1953 - September 14, 2026

Rita Elizabeth Trowel, 73, of Louisville transitioned on Friday, September 14, 2026.

Visitation 11am - 12 noon Friday, September 25, 2026 at W. T. Shumake & Daughters Funeral Home 3815 Newburg Road. Funeral to follow at 12 noon. Burial Petersburg Newburg Cemetery.

Rita Elizabeth Trowel—a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, niece, aunt, partner, and friend—was born in Berrytown, Kentucky, to Richard Obannon and Mary Ann Jones on Friday, February 20, 1953. Her mother later married Clarence Richard Trowel, Sr., who lovingly adopted Rita as his own. She was blessed with three parents who loved and cared for her.

Rita grew up surrounded by family, and that deep sense of connection remained a cherished part of her life. In her youth, she began her Christian journey at Community Missionary Baptist Church.

Rita retired from Westminster Terrace/Rose Anna Hughes Nursing Home in 2017 after 40 years of service as a restorative aide and CNA. Her devotion to caring for others extended far beyond her work and touched everyone who crossed her path. Rita truly never met a stranger. Her heart and home were always open, especially during her favorite holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas, when family and friends gathered to share food, laughter, stories, and love. In those moments, Rita’s warmth made everyone feel at home.

Rita found joy in life’s simple pleasures and familiar comforts. In her younger years, she enjoyed bowling, and throughout her life she delighted in playing cards and bingo. She never wanted to miss an episode of her favorite soap opera, The Young and the Restless, and was especially fond of Victor Newman. She was also a devoted University of Louisville Cardinals fan. Having grown up in a home where furry companions were always part of the family, Rita held a special love for dogs and other animals. In retirement, she treasured the time she spent with her Yorkie, Penny.

Rita’s life was further enriched by love and companionship. Her soulmate, Donnie Shelby, preceded her in death in 2003. In later years, Rita reunited with her partner, Ernest Long, with whom she shared many years of love and companionship.

Above all, Rita’s greatest joy was her family. On Monday, September 14, 2026, Rita Elizabeth Trowel departed this life. She leaves to cherish her memory her three children, Mona Frazier, Maurice Donta Trowel (Melissa Roberts), and Margerita Trowel (Bootay Washington); seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; her aunts, Royella Jones and Mona Wrencher; her sisters, Barbara Ann Obannon and Patricia Walker; her brother-in-law, Durane McCauley; her partner, Ernest Long; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Ann Jones, Richard Obannon, and Clarence Trowel, Sr.; her siblings, Clarence Trowel, Jr., Eric Trowel, Jerry Trowel, Eric Obannon, and Mary Virginia McCauley; and her soulmate, Donnie Shelby.

Those who knew Rita will remember her warm heart, steadfast devotion to family, joyful laughter, favorite television shows, card games and bingo, love of dogs and the Cardinals, and the welcoming spirit she shared so freely with everyone.

Although Rita’s earthly journey has ended, the love she gave and the memories she created will live in the hearts of her family and friends.