Rita M. Terry
Rita M. Terry, 84, of Charles Street, Jamestown, died Friday, Feb. 20, 2026 at UPMC Chautauqua Hospital, Jamestown, following a brief illness. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio on March 3, 1941, the daughter of the late Lester and Ruth (Miller) Van Matter. Rita was a graduate of Jamestown High School, Class of 1959.
She worked as an Operator for the former Ethan Allen in Frewsburg for 12 years. Rita enjoyed camping and square dancing. Her “best job” was raising her children.
Survivors include four daughters, Barbara Butt of Jamestown; Debra Chapman of Virginia Beach, VA; Sheila Allen of Jamestown; Mary Reynolds of Ludington, MI; and a son, Steven Terry of Jamestown. Also surviving are twelve grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Theodore “Ted” Terry, whom she married on July 3, 1959, in Falconer Baptist Church and who died on Sept. 18, 2023; an infant son, William David Terry; two brothers, Arden & Kenneth Van Matter; and a grandson, Nicholas Matthew Raper.
No funeral services will be observed. Private Interment will be at the convenience of the family in Forestville Cemetery.
The family suggests memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741. Arrangements are by Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, Forestville.
To post condolences or memories go to https://rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.