Rita Marie Cavaness

Rita Marie Cavaness, 76, of Columbus, formerly of Shelbyville passed away Wednesday, December 2, 2020, at Franciscan St. Francis Health in Indianapolis. She was born October 25, 1944, in Shelbyville, the daughter of Herman and Velma (Gilles) Jeffries. Rita is survived by her daughters, Dawn McIntyre and husband, Jerry, of Columbus, Theresa Ernstes of Shelbyville, Elizabeth Brown and husband, Ken, of Indianapolis, and Barbara McPherson and husband, Bill, of Shelbyville; grandchildren, Trey Ernstes and wife, Jennifer, Shelly Reeves and husband, Skylar, Laci Lawson and husband, Kristopher, Kenny Meal, Kris Meal, Kylee Meredith and husband, Karl, Justin Marshall and wife, Casey, and Zachary Marshall; 16 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; son, William H. “Bill” Cavaness; brothers, Robert A. Jeffries and David Jeffries; granddaughter, Katie Ernstes; and son-in-law, Ben Ernstes. Rita was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. She graduated in 1962 from Fairland High School. Rita was also a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary in Shelbyville and the Ladies Auxiliary Knights of St. John. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, December 4, 2020 at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville, with the rosary will be recited at 4:30 p.m. Inurnment will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Shelbyville. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 228 E. Hendricks St., Shelbyville, Indiana 46176. Online condolences may be shared with Rita’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.