Rita (Long) Coleman-Alsop

Rita (Long) Coleman-Alsop (81) of Terre Haute passed away on March 13, 2023.  Born September 28, 1941 in Terre Haute to John Taylor Long and Alberta Ligon Long, Rita is preceded in death by her loving husband George Alsop.

Rita leaves behind her champion and daughter-in-law Pamela Decker, her son Kevin Coleman and daughter-in-law Kathy Coleman, her cherished grandchildren Carly Decker, Caitlin (Decker) Braden, Patrick Coleman, and Emma Coleman, her great-grandchildren Krue and Giselle, her “daughter”, Rhonda Long-Sharp, her husband Scott Sharp, and their children, Chad and Nicole, along with a plethora of nieces and nephews.  Rita also leaves behind her brother Larry Long and her “sister” Linda Long. She leaves behind with gratitude those who have assisted in her care over the last six years.  She joins in heaven with other loved ones:  her son Fred Decker, her brothers Taylor, Louis, Carl, Tommy, and Ralph Long, her sister-in-law and closest friend Eva (Nasser) Long, and her grandson, Matthew Coleman.

Rita grew up with few material things.  She came to understand the meaning of hunger and poverty.   She devoted her adult life to making the world a better place, often lamenting that her goal was to leave the earth in a bit better stead than it was when she came into it.  She lived that goal.  She volunteered her time for many local charities and organizations and served as a Democrat Precinct Committee person.  She championed the forgotten and overlooked. Rita did not meet an animal that she didn’t love and defend.  She fed and cared for every stray animal in the neighborhood.  She took care of the squirrels and the birds.  She spayed dozens of stray cats.  It was easy to find Rita’s house on the block.  It was the one with all of the animals hanging out around it.  Rita also loved her hometown.  She worked in the Terre Haute City Clerk’s Office and later as Assistant Superintendent for the Terre Haute Parks Department until her retirement.   She and her husband, George, enjoyed vacations at St. Pete Beach, Disney, New York, and Las Vegas.  They traveled with family all over the US, especially once she finally agreed to get on a plane.   She was a loyal member of St. Patrick’s Church.   Most of all, Rita was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, and no holiday, especially Christmas, will be the same without “Auntie Claus”.

Visitation will take place from 9:30 to 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, March 18th, 2023 at St. Patrick's Church, 1807 Poplar Street, Terre Haute, Indiana.  Funeral mass will follow at 11:00 A.M.  Burial will be at Highland Lawn Cemetery.  If friends so desire, please make a donation in Rita’s honor to the Spay and Neuter League of Terre Haute, Vigo County Humane Society or the Alzheimer's Association.