Rita Lewis
1956-2019
On July 18, 2019, Belmont Abbey College said goodbye to a precious, dear member of our family. Rita Lewis, “The Face of Belmont Abbey College,” began her career at the College in August 1980, in the Alumni and Public Relations Office. Within a few months, President John Dempsey asked her to serve as his executive assistant – a role she has held for 39 years.
Widely recognized by generations of alumni and donors, Rita displayed traditional southern hospitality and warmth that have become legendary within the Abbey community. During her nearly four decades at the College, she served thirteen presidents, three abbots, and provided tireless assistance to thousands of individuals – students, staff, faculty, monks, and friends – who have repeatedly relied on her knowledge, efficiency and kindness. In addition, Rita has supported the Board of Trustees for the College since her tenure in the Office of the President began, amassing an unmatched understanding of Board procedures and history. She is a two-time recipient of the Administrative Staff Award, an honor bestowed on her by her peers. At the 2019 Commencement Rita received an honorary doctorate degree from the College in commemoration of her unwavering service.
Rooted in her faith, Rita consistently reflected the mission of Belmont Abbey College in her humility, manners, extraordinary work ethic and desire to serve. She frequently commented on her affection and appreciation for the Monastic Community, which has “always been there” for her. In turn, her constant commitment to Belmont Abbey and all that it stands for made her a special part of the heart and soul of the entire community.
The Abbey community mourns the loss of one so selfless and dedicated to our college. “Rita’s devoted service to Belmont Abbey College spans four decades. She was the welcomed countless guests and visitors with gracious Southern hospitality. Her faith and her courage in her battle with her illness was an inspiration to us all. May she be numbered among the saints and may we all be together with her there where death is no more,” said Abbot Placid Solari, O.S.B., chancellor of Belmont Abbey College.
“Rita was an incredibly faithful woman who only sought to do God’s will and love other people. She had a special way of welcoming people, especially first-time visitors, that made them feel like they had come home. She will be greatly missed,” said Belmont Abbey College president Dr. Bill Thierfelder.
“Rita’s love of the Abbey and all those she encountered was truly unfailing. From the first meeting with her some seven years ago, her life seemed to me a living tribute to her faith in God and the Benedictine Hallmark of Hospitality. There was a beautiful charm about her casting a positive light on whomever she interacted with. I know she will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of her acquaintance. How we will miss receiving that warm, loving welcome…What a privilege to have crossed paths with this remarkable woman. Thank you dear Rita.” said Greg Swanson, VP & General Counsel.
A self-proclaimed “hometown girl,” Rita was a lifelong native to her beloved Belmont and a dedicated South Point High School Red Raiders fan. In addition, she’s particularly fond of the somewhat larger town of New York City, where she represented the College during many trips to liaise with donors – and shop for additions to her classic wardrobe and impeccable sense of style.
Rita married her high school sweetheart Kurt Lewis and enjoyed 44 years together. She is the mother of two sons, John and Randy, mother-in-law to their wives Kathryn and Cameron, and sister to Gene and his wife Janet. But her most rewarding role was grandmother to Daniel, Emmie Kate, Beckett and Maddox.
Friends will be received on Sunday, July 21, 2019 – 1:30-3:00 p.m. at South Point Baptist Church and Celebration of Life at 3:00 p.m. same location. Burial private for the family. Please share your thoughts and stories about Rita with our community below.
We are empty without you, yet fulfilled knowing your joy is complete. May God bless Rita and grant her eternal rest.
What a joy it was to know her and work with her every day. She was my rock at the Abbey, my go-to pro. She leaves this world a better place and all of us lucky who had the honor to know and love her. Rest in peace, my remarkable friend.
I was very sad to hear the news. I worked for Rita in the PR / Alumni office during my first couple of years at Belmont in 1984-1985. She was a special person and a pleasure to know. My condolences to Rita’s family and her family will be in our thoughts and prayers today.
Thanks to her beloved family at Belmont Abbey College, faculty and staff, board members and donors, current students and alumni. She might have touch all of your hearts but most of all you touched hers! She may be greatly missed by all there but most certainly will will her Abbey family! She was who she was bc of all of you there at the Abbey and passed through the college. I am blessed to call her mom and most of all gotten to meet and know all of you past and present at the Abbey. She may be at peace and enjoying herself in heaven but I can say she will still watch over all of us! Its her nature and had always been her way! Thank you mom. I love you! And I love you Belmont Abbey College.
Thank you Randy for sharing your Mom with us! You, Kurt and John, along with your family are in my prayers! I hope this time of grief will be short lived and that you will soon be able to recall the many wonderful memories of better times spent basking in the light that was your mom.
Rita, you have always been so inviting and kind. Thanks for all the hugs and pep talks! I will remember you with the fo dear of memories. Rest In Peace!
How she will be missed. She was one of the first people to welcome me to the Abbey. Her beauty, elegance and class invigorated that first floor of Stowe. I was so pleased to have run I to her last Homecoming. May her family be comforted by God’s unyielding Light and the warm wishes, prayers of their Abbey Family.
I will miss “Ms. Rita” so much!!
She was one of the first points of contact I had when I applied to work at Belmont Abbey 6 years ago, and to me, she set the tone for the college, exhibiting true Benedictine hospitality and making me feel most welcome and “at home” from the get-go! Over the years, whenever I’d go to Stowe Hall, she would seem to always be there, and I’d say “Heyyy Ms. Rita!,” to which she’d respond “Heyyy Ms. Linda!”, and we’d have a short chat. So often, these short interludes go without much thought – but I treasured each of my interactions with Ms. Rita! She was just so kind and sweet – and I loved hearing her talk enthusiastically about South Point football every fall! I will miss that, and I will truly, deeply miss her!
Rita was not only all the wonderful things that have been said about her–charming, engaging, warm, outgoing, kind, helpful–but she was also funny and salty and ironic, fun to be around, fun to talk to. Rita didn’t miss much! She was a real class act, simply so full of life–an ebullient and joyful spirit!
This is so shocking … somehow it’s difficult to grasp the loss of someone with so much love, life and energy. I will always remember how instrumental she was in enthusiastically welcoming “home” alumni. Whether we remember her from 1981 or 2019, we all remember her fondly. She loved and is beloved … we will miss you, Rita!
Rita has shown us the impact of a life lived in love. Thank you, Rita. I know you will be watching over us.
Rita was indeed the face of Belmont Abbey College. She welcomed all with grace. Jeff and I send our deepest sympathy to her family and to Belmont Abbey.
To know Rita was to love Rita. My heart was saddened when she first became sick, but just like her, I put my faith in the Lord to watch over my friend. God did just that and stayed by her side every step of the way. He cared for Rita in the way only He can in calming her spirit and giving her a peace of mind. Rita’s spirit never gave out – only her body did. She continued to shine brightly, enjoying each and every day, each and every person in her life. I miss you my friend, but I know that you are worshiping at the feet of Jesus. I can’t wait to see you again!!
She was one of the many special people that made Belmont Abbey great. She dedicated her life to the college and made it a better kinder place. I never saw her without a smile. She exemplified the Christian belief of “loving your neighbor as yourself” and treated everyone as a neighbor. She was always there to help. What a gracious kind Southern lady. My life is better for knowing her.
Rita was such a wonderful person–always had a smile and a hello for me whenever I passed by the front desk. She was such a wonderful person, and was always willing to bend over backwards for us students. May God grant her eternal rest through the intercession of our Blessed Mother.
Oh how I loved Ms. Rita!!! What a truly wonderful, loving, fun, competent and amazing woman she was. She was a treasure; a real classy, Southern Belle! She will be so so missed. May she rest in the Peace of Christ and may her family and all who love her be comforted by His Divine Mercy. “Well done, good and faithful servant…Enter into the joy of your master.”
When I returned to working at the Abbey last year after a 5 year hiatus, it was Rita who so genuinely welcomed me back home with a smile and warm hug. She will always represent for me how one lives a life showing grace, warmth and true Benedictine hospitality. You have touched our hearts and we are sure you are in His arms now.
Rita showed a genuine curiosity and interest in everyone she met. It is this aspect of Benedictine hospitality that make her one of kind. I can still hear her laughter and southern accent 14 years after graduating from BAC. She will he missed.
I remember the first time I met Rita. She made me feel like I had known her my whole life and her smile was infectious. I’m truly saddened and I want Kurt and his son’s to know you all are in my prayers!
Rita was a great ambassador for Belmont Abbey and will be sorely missed by one and all. She leaves an indelible footprint on the Abbey landscape, far and wide.
Rest in peace, Rita.
George Horner
Marvelous and wonderfully friendly and
Competent person. BA was lucky to have Rita
As a friend and employee.
Rita was a smile every morning, and a good joke every afternoon, we shared a disdain for the cold weather and even traded pointers on how to stay warm! The main hallway on the first floor of Stowe will never be the same. Her sweet smile and her humor will be so sorely missed. But there is a greater joy, and our beloved Rita is smiling on all of us! God bless you! And thank you for ALL that you did for the Abbey and each one of us.
She loved BAC, and it loved her. She was an amazing Ambassador for the College. She performed the very difficult work of organizing Board of Trustees’ meetings with efficiency, grace and joy. Rita, you are missed already.
The Abbey universe has lost one of its stars. Being greeted by Rita automatically brightened my day. Her warm hello with that wonderful smile let you know you were welcome. Along with everyone who knew her, I will miss her!
Dear Rita, member of (Bob’sTrojan Women Clan), your dedication, devotion and friendship to my husband and me is a treasured memory. Thank you.
I have talked to Rita for at least 10 years helping her navigate travel for her co workers. I never had the chance to meet her in person but feel like I lost a wonderful friend. She was always a joy to work with. I feel blessed to have known her (if only by phone). She always made me feel special with her wonderful compliments. I will truly miss our conversations. Rest In Peace Rita. I will miss you.