Rita Emmons Gudgel of Urbana passed away Thursday, October 15, 2020 at 90 years old. Rita was born in Urbana to Alton B. Emmons and Olive Knust on September 22, 1930. Rita lived most of her life in Urbana. She graduated from Urbana High School. Rita moved to Alaska to marry her sweetheart Donald D. Gudgel on December 2, 1948, while he was in the military. They later moved to Edmonds, Washington, then back to Urbana. Rita retired from the Urbana School District after working 36 years in the school lunchroom. It always brought a smile to her face when being recognized in public by past students as the "nice lunchroom lady". She loved her job and seeing all the students.

Rita is predeceased by her husband, Donald D. Gudgel, daughter & son-in-law, Linda & Terry Moore, son-in-law, Sam Elfawal, grandson, Tad Michael Romines, mother & stepfather Olive & Vernon Knust, father, Alton B. Emmons, sister, Phyllis Ruggles and half-brother, Buster Emmons.

She is survived by her three children, Nancy (Ron) Romines, Michael (Angie) Gudgel and Tammy Elfawal. Grandchildren: Benjamin (Peggy) Romines, Rachel (Darick) Issac, Melissa (Brad) Harden, Mendi (Dustin) Peyton, Jacob (Jennifer) Moore, Ashley & Adam Elfawal. Great Grandchildren: Bailey, Brylee & Brynna Romines, Brok & Wyatt Issac, Maddie, Makayla & Macey Harden, Quinton & Hayden Moore, Gavin Stewart & Brody Peyton. She is also survived by her half-sister Penny Kay Peck and half-brother Kenny Emmons. Nephews; Paul "Buddy" Raney, Curtis "Skeeter" Ruggles, John "Timmy" Thompson, Tommy Ruggles, Terry Ruggles, Chris Ruggles, Dave Gudgel, Mark Gudgel, and John T. Gudgel, her niece Connie Marchbanks and sister-in-law Betty Gudgel.

Rita will be missed dearly by all. Due to COVID there will be a graveside service for Rita at Grandview Memorial Gardens on Saturday, October 24, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. for family members.