Rita Ellen Ryals, 67, of Middleburg, FL passed away September 12, 2024. She was born January 22, 1957 in Wausau, WI to the late Joseph and Harriet (Johnson) Matuszak. Rita was a 1975 graduate of Newman Catholic High School in Wausau, WI and married her best friend Bruce C. Ryals in July of 1975. She loved working with children as she was employed with La Petite Academy and then worked with the Clay County School System for over 20 years. Rita was of the Catholic faith and attended St. Lukes Catholic Church. She enjoyed painting and drawing, as she was a very artsy person. Rita could be found tending to her garden and loved to travel. More than anything, she cherished time spent with her close family and friends. Rita will always be remembered for many things. She was and devoted and loving wife, mother, Grandma, sister, aunt and best friend. Rita loved with her whole heart and touched the lives of everyone she met. She was the bravest person and always lived life to the fullest. Rita is preceded by her parents, and her brother, Joseph and Lawrence Matuszak. She is survived by her husband of 49 unforgettable years, Bruce Clayton Ryals; daughter, Jessica Ann Stephens (Joseph); siblings, Michael Matuszak (Susie), Louise Rogalla (Rod), Steven Matuszak (Ruth), Edward Matuszak and Annette Nolan (Michael); grandchildren, Jarrod and Joely Stephens with a host of extended family and friends. A Celebration of Rita’s Life will be held at 2:00pm, Tuesday, September 17, 2024 in the Jacksonville Memory Gardens Chapel. The family requests, in lieu of flowers donations be made in honor of Rita to a charity of your choice.