Rita M. Davis, 73, Dexter

DEXTER, NY —  Rita M. Davis, 73, of 18542 State Route 12 E, Dexter, NY, passed away Saturday, Nov, 20, 2021, at Samaritan Medical Center, Watertown.

She was born on Aug. 17, 1948, in Fayetteville, NC, the daughter of Phillip and June (Merritt) Reich, she attended Watertown High School.

Rita worked at NY Air Brake and was a waitress at the Victory Diner on State St., in Watertown and at the NCO Club on Fort Drum for several years.  She then moved to North Carolina to care for her son. While residing in NC she worked at Walmart and retired as a customer service representative.  She returned to Dexter in 2018 and resided with her daughter.

She married Michael P. Fleming Sr. and William C. Davis, who both passed away before her.

Rita devoted her life to foster kids, raising and caring for many children.  She enjoyed family get-togethers and always made time for family and friends.  She was a Den Mother for the Boy Scouts when she resided in Gouverneur.

Among her survivors are her two daughters and a daughter in law, Laurie L. Fleming, Dexter, Emily (Sherree) Cash, Lake Royal, NC; a sister and brother in law, Brenda (Fred) Haywood, OH; 10 grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her son Michael P. Fleming Jr. and two brothers, James H. and Jeffrey D. Tibbles.

Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home, Dexter. There will be no services. It was her wish to be cremated and to be buried with her son in NC.

Donations may be made in memory of Rita and her son who died of Leukemia. At St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or to the Leukemia Foundation.

Online condolences may be made at www.dexterfuneralhome.com