Rita Yvonne Buchanan, age 58, lost her hard-fought battle with cancer in the early morning hours of February 1, 2023. This date, made special by the birth of her son, Patrick Buchanan 34 years ago, became even more glorious due to her home going to meet her Lord and Savior.
Rita was loved by all who knew her. She fiercely loved her family, and was completely enamored with her grandson, Zane. Anyone who was blessed to know Rita will always remember her smile, her infectious laugh, her love of family, and her devotion to God. She was a prayer warrior for many, and made it her mission to regularly reach out to check on people in the community, her church family, and friends.
Rita was born on September 10, 1964 to the late Dean and Sue Buchanan of Newland, NC. Rita married her high school sweetheart, Michael Buchanan, on June 10, 1983. They made their life together in the Powdermill Community. Rita was a member of Powdermill Baptist Church, and she loved her church and her church family very much.
Preceding Rita in death includes Dean Buchanan (father), Sue Buchanan (mother), Patt Buchanan (father-in-law), and Linda Buchanan Freeman (grandmother).
Left to cherish her memory are her beloved husband, Michael Buchanan; son, Patrick Buchanan; daughter-in-law, Jessica Buchanan; and grandson, Zane Buchanan; Siblings Rethia Turbyfill (David); Rena Dellinger, and Paul Buchanan. Additional survivors include Janet Buchanan (mother-in-law); Liz (Rodney) Silvers, Paul (Angie) Buchanan, David (Holly) Buchanan, and Lee (Becky) Buchanan. Rita was loved by a host of nieces and nephews: Kate Turbyfill, Dustin Trice, Celeste Grindstaff, Clint Buchanan, Sarah Dellinger, Chris Dellinger (Miranda); Taylor Silvers, Braxton Buchanan, Maddie Buchanan, Callee Buchanan, Bella Caldera, Grayson Buchanan, Jonah Roberts, Alex Webb, Jaycee Blackburn, Kasadee Blackburn, and Eli Costner.
A celebration of life to honor Rita Buchanan will be held on 4 pm on Saturday, February 4 at Powdermill Baptist Church, 268 Powdermill Creek Road, Newland, NC 28657 with Rev. Michael Burnop. Singers will be Donna Staton and Michelle and Michael Burnop.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society at 120 Executive Park Bldg 1, Asheville, NC 28801.
