Rita Jane Chimiak, 70, of Pensacola, died Sunday, November 17, 2019.

A native of Pensacola, Rita, was a devoted teacher and retired from the Escambia County School District in 2002 after a 32-year career in education. Rita also had a heart for animals and took care of many strays.

Rita is preceded in death by her parents, Johnny and Lillian Thomas; her brother, Johnny Thomas and her sister, Joan Thomas Sikes.

Rita is survived by her significant other, Royce Taylor and a special lady, Desiree Easley.

A graveside service will be held 2:00pm Monday, November 25, 2019 at Live Oak Memorial Park Cemetery in Crestview, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, memorials or tributes can be sent to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) by going to their website: aspca.org/donate or by mail: ASPCA Tributes, 520 8th Ave., 7th Floor, New York, NY 10018 or by phone: 800-628-0028.

Royce would like to thank the Emergency Department and the nursing staff at Baptist Hospital for their compassion and excellent care of Rita.