Rita DeBerry Liston Cook, 82, of Morgantown, passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital. She was born September 28, 1943, in Akron, OH, a daughter of the late Vernon and Elizabeth Dodge DeBerry.
A 1961 graduate of Garfield High School in Akron. Rita went on to work for and retire from JCPenney.
She was a creative and artistic lady who found joy in crafting, especially making fruit trees and beautiful floral arrangements. Rita loved to sing and had a deep appreciation for history, particularly the Civil War. She enjoyed traveling to historic battlefields such as Gettysburg and Antietam. Above all, Rita treasured time spent with her family. Traveling with her grandchildren brought her the greatest happiness.
She is survived by her children Tonya Liston Richards, Lonnie Liston (Clara), Kelli Liston LeMasters; grandchildren Paul Richards, Jr., Rachel Richards Henson, Stephany Liston Hendrickson, Laura Liston Rose, Devon Whitehead; great-grandchildren Brianna Richards, Paul ‘Bubby’ Richards, III, Tucker Rose, Isabella Smith, Troy Henson, Caston Hendrickson; and a special cousin who was more like a sister Carolyn Dodge Eberhard.
In addition to her parents, Rita was preceded in death by her brothers Richard and Marvin DeBerry.
Honoring her wishes, cremation was entrusted with Fred L. Jenkins Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at Fred L. Jenkins Funeral Home on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 11 a.m.
Condolences: www.fredjenkinsfuneralhome.com
