December 17, 1957 — October 1, 2026
Mrs. Rita Marie Cates, age 68, of Eatonton, died Thursday, October 1, 2026, at her home following an extended illness. She was a native of Guilford County, North Carolina, and in the early 1970s, the family moved to Savannah. She was a graduate of Savannah Tech and became a licensed practical nurse. She moved to Putnam County and was a nurse at Bostick State Prison, Putnam State Prison, Baldwin State Prison, a dental assistant in Eatonton, Medical College of Georgia in Greensboro, and retired from Baldwin State Prison in 2022. She was Pentecostal by faith; and she enjoyed her dogs and cats, walking, jogging, and taking care of her home and family. She is preceded in death by her parents, Hurley Lorenzo Cockman and Jeanette Holland Cockman; and two brothers, Steven Cockman and John Cockman. Mrs. Cates is survived by her husband of twenty-six years, Billy Rubert of Eatonton; one son, James Cates of McDonough; two stepchildren, Kimberly Diana Rhodes (Sheth) of Tennille, and Vincent Owen Robinson, Jr. (Anna) of Deepstep Community in Washington County; and one brother, Eddie Wayne Cockman (Judy) of Brooklet.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 10th, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Lake Country Baptist Church, 1259 Crooked Creek Rd, Eatonton, GA 31024.