Rita F. Olson Manley, age 77, passed away at her home in Combs, Arkansas on January 1st, 2026.
She was born in Providence, Rhode Island in 1948 and lived in Rhode Island until her marriage to Douglas Manley. They moved to Taunton, Massachusetts where Rita lived until she moved to Combs, Arkansas in 2017 to be near her daughter.
Rita was preceded in death by her brother Paul Olson; brother Robert Olson; and her husband Douglas Manley.
She is survived by her brothers, Raymond Olson, Roger Olson and Arthur Olson, as well as her sister Nancy Vierra. She also leaves behind her daughter Karyn Webb; son in-law Don Webb; her grandsons, Christopher Webb, Shawn Webb and Eric Webb; as well as her great-granddaughter Jade Webb.
Rita Manley, OFS, was part of Our Lady of the Angels Fraternity Order Franciscan Secular, OFS; later called The Holy Rosary Fraternity of the Order Franciscan Secular OFS. She was a member of the Central Association of the Miraculous Medal and part of the Marian movement of Priests. She is a member of St. Joseph’s Church in Fayetteville, AR.
The family will receive friends from 10 AM until 12:00 PM on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Beard’s Funeral Chapel.
There will be a funeral procession to a short farewell for the graveside service at Combs Cemetery, Combs, AR.
Karyn and family,
We are so very sad and sorry for your loss. We knew Rita as such a sweet soul with an often smiling face. I remember how happy she and Doug looked on their wedding day and how well she fit into our family. My mother always had a special place in her heart for Rita. Her strong faith and spirit will live on through you.
Our thoughts are with you,
Love – Beth and Paul Brown