Rita Sue Allen McKenzie passed away peacefully at Roanoke Memorial Hospital on Wednesday July 26, 2023.

Mrs. McKenzie was born in Galax, Virginia on August 14, 1939 to Joe Thomas and Alverta Rutherford Allen In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husbands Billy Caldwell and Thomas Peyton McKenzie; children Donald Caldwell and Teresa Bullion; brother Joe Thomas Allen, Jr. and sister Edna Ruth Edwards.

She was a caring mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She was loved by so many in her small-town Galax, Virginia and always did her best to provide love and support to her family despite how sick she was. She loved spending time with family talking about old times and going out to eat.

She is survived by her daughters Jo Ann Tarbox of Roanoke, Virginia and Helen Edwards of Galax, Virginia; sons and daughter-in-law Bily Caldwell; Ricky and Lisa McKenzie; son-in-law Dean and a brother Roger Allen all of Galax, Virginia; three grandchildren Stephanie, Christa and Jeremy; four great-grandchildren Trenton, Zay, Bethny and Aaliyah; special nieces and nephew Barbara, Brenda and Lee.

A graveside service will be held Monday at 3:30 PM in the Allen Cemetery with Pastor Sam Holder officiating. The family will receive friends Monday from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM at the Vaughan-Guynn Funeral Home.