Obituary for Rita Ann Flanagan
Rita Ann Flanagan, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and cherished member of the Tira community, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2026, in Sulphur Springs, Texas, at the age of 70.
Graveside services for Rita will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Tira Cemetery with Pastor Jeff Gravens officiating. Alex Fields, Kolson Hale, Cori Hale, Derek Funderburk, Lisa Jo Hipps “Esa”, and Allen Robinson will be serving as pallbearers.
Rita was born on June 16, 1956, in Lorado, Arkansas, to Paul Greer and Geraldine Harris Greer. In 1972, she married the love of her life, James Thomas Flanagan, in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Together, Rita and James shared 51 wonderful years filled with love, family, and countless memories before his passing in 2023.
Rita found great joy in being a homemaker and devoted her life to caring for her family. Her love, however, extended far beyond her own home. She either raised or helped raise just about every child who grew up in the Tira community. To so many, Rita was more than a neighbor or friend—she was a source of comfort, guidance, love, and a place where children always felt welcome.
Her greatest legacy will be the lives she touched and the love she so freely gave. Rita had a special way of making people feel cared for, and she leaves behind a lifetime of memories that will be treasured by all who knew and loved her.
Rita is survived by her son, James Paul Flanagan and wife Alicia; her daughter, Deana Hale and her husband, Cori; her sister, Frances Harris and husband Randy; and her bonus children, Nicholas Tamsma, Julia Tamsma, and Rebecca Tamsma.
She is also survived by her grandchildren, Haley Blair and husband Jeremiah, Brittany Janae, Alijah Rose Flanagan, Abbigail Hale, and Kolson Hale; and her great-grandchildren, Tatum Orozco, Ivan Orozco, and Miah Blair.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul Greer and Geraldine Harris Greer; her beloved husband, James Thomas Flanagan; and her brother, Delbert Greer.
Rita will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the many children and families whose lives she helped shape. Though she is no longer with us, the love she gave, the lessons she taught, and the memories she created will live on in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known her.
Her life was a gift to her family and to the Tira community, and her memory will forever be cherished.
Arrangements are under the direction of West Oaks Funeral Home.
