February 10, 2017 
                   
WATERTOWN, NY  —  Rita A. Duvall, 72, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Syracuse surrounded by her loving family.

Born Feb. 18, 1945, in Watertown, the daughter of Allie and Nettie Buker Calhoun, she was educated at Watertown High School.

Rita worked for many years in the Town of Watertown Clerks office, later working as court clerk for several Town judges. After leaving from the Town, she worked as a clerk at the Housing & Dentack Dental Clinic on Fort Drum.

She married Ernest Duvall, Jr. on May 3, 1963, at Asbury United Methodist Church. The marriage was later blessed at Holy Family Church.

Rita was a Town of Watertown Fire Department Auxiliary member, a Watertown Eagles Auxiliary member, and was also a member of Jefferson County Order of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed sewing, homemaking, being outdoors, and spending time with her grandchildren.  Rita and Ernie owned and operated Harbor Crafts Boutique in Watertown & Sackets Harbor.

Rita will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many.

Surviving besides her husband, Ernest, Jr., are 4 sons, John and Christy Duvall of Watertown, Michael and Cathy Duvall of Sherrill, NY, Geoffery Duvall and Kristan Peck of Watertown, Richard and Jennifer Duvall of Watertown.  Also surviving are many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

She was predeceased by 5 siblings, Pauline Calhoun, Corrine Calhoun, Thelma Halpin, Leroy Calhoun, and Lita Schneider.

Calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15, at Reed and Benoit Funeral Home. The funeral service will be 11 a.m.Thursday, Feb. 16, at the funeral home with Pastor Shane Ryan officiating.  Friends and family are invited to join us for a Celebration of Life, hosted by lifelong neighbor and friends, George and Luann Burnham following the service on Thursday at the Eagles club. Burial this spring will be in Glenwood Cemetery. 

Condolences may be made at www.reedbenoit.com.






Information provided by Reed & Benoit Funeral Home and Newzjunky, Watertown, N.Y.