Rita Gold

On Friday, May 22, 2026, Rita Gold passed away at the age of 94.

Rita was born July 31, 1931, in Hoopeston, IL, to Edward and Eva Swanson. She graduated from John Greer High School and married James Ralph Neal in 1952, who preceded her in death.

She would then marry Robert Gold in 1956, and together the couple raised their two children Steve Neal and Karen Gold. Rita and Robert were married for 59 years where they operated an antiques business and set up shop at the annual Covered Bridge Festival in Parke County, IN. They also managed Gold’s Bed & Breakfast in Mahomet, IL, before Robert passed on May 28, 2015.

She will always be remembered by the friends she made, the neighbors she cared for, and the family she loved. Her devotion to her children and grandchildren earned her the nickname Saint Rita. We will miss her.

She is survived by her children, Karen and Steve, and her grandchildren, Emma and Eva Cottrell.

Please join her family in sharing memories, photos and videos on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 11am at Danville National Cemetery, 1900 E Main St., Danville, IL. 

Cremation arrangements have been made at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center's Champaign Chapel 710 N. Neil St. in Champaign, IL. 61820.