Rita Ann Riley

Rita Ann Riley (Hancock) passed away on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at her home with her husband Bill and family by her side. Rita was born on October 16, 1958, and was the first daughter of Chester and Hannah Hancock. Rita lived her entire life in La Plata, Maryland surrounded by her large family and many friends that she made wherever she went. Rita’s childhood was spent at her family farm with her six siblings where they farmed the land and raised livestock. With her involvement in farming, she was named the 1974 Charles County Farm Queen where she got to visit Washington D.C. and compete against other ladies from among Maryland for the state title. She graduated with honors from La Plata High School in 1976. During this time, she began dating Bill and they later married on October 7, 1978. Her daughter, Rebecca Ann, was born a few years later in 1983. She went on to work as a medical secretary for two different prominent area doctors for the remainder of her life. Throughout her life Rita loved spending time outdoors, whether it was still helping on the farm, or in her own garden at home. She also enjoyed sports and played both volleyball and softball for many years in both recreational and Christian Church leagues. Rita spent time on the water with Bill fishing and crabbing in Southern Maryland waters. She also loved showing her faith at La Plata United Methodist Church where she was on several committees and was always willing to lend a hand. Most of all Rita loved spending time with her family and friends she considered family, including her three granddaughters, Natalie, Bethany, and Cassidy. Rita is survived by her husband of almost 47 years, Bill; daughter Rebecca Legge (Jon); granddaughters Natalie, Bethany and Cassidy; brothers David Hancock (Sheila), Wayne Hancock (Brenda) and Ronnie Hancock (Mary); sisters Susan Yates (Bart), Joan Farrell (Chris) and Judy Mast (John); many nieces and nephews, extended family and wonderful friends. Rita is preceded in death by her parents Chester and Hannah Hancock. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at La Plata United Methodist Church, 3 Port Tobacco Road, La Plata, Maryland, 20646. Funeral services will be on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at La Plata United Methodist Church, 3 Port Tobacco Road, La Plata, Maryland, 20646. Interment will immediately follow at La Plata United Methodist Church Cemetery on Charles Street in Dentsville, Maryland. Memorial contributions in Rita’s name may be made to La Plata United Methodist Church, 3 Port Tobacco Road, La Plata, Maryland 20646 or to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 2505 Davis Road, Waldorf, Maryland 20603.

Rita Ann Riley

October 16, 1958 - September 11, 2025