Mrs. Rita Theresa Ennis

July 9, 1922 - February 10, 2022

Rita Gionet Ennis, age 99, passed away February 10, 2022. Born Rita Gionet July 9, 1922 in Leominster, Massachusetts to Joseph and Theadora Gionet. After graduating from Saint Catherine’s Academy class of 1942, she served her country at the Newport, Rhode Island torpedo factory during WWII developing and testing new torpedoes. She became a licensed hairdresser before marrying Senior Chief Henry L. Ennis Sr. and becoming a homemaker and mother. After several movies as a Navy family, she first located to Green Cove Springs in 1952. Many other military moves would occur during her husband’s 28 year career with the Navy, but each one would include a stop in Green Cove Springs. Even a tour in Naples Italy was sandwiched by tours of duty at the Naval Station in Green Cove Springs. She loved to travel and visited several countries while living in Italy, but Green Cove Springs was her home. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church since first arriving in Clay County in 1952. She loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry L. Ennis, Sr., her brother Euclid D. (Ed) Gionet, Brother in law, Ed Murray and Daughter in law, Marsha Jones Robinson Ennis. She is survived by her brother Joseph M. Gionet (Fran), sister Clair Murray, two sons, Henry L. Ennis, Jr., Daniel J. Ennis (Martha), 7 grandchildren Velinda Roe (Michael), Shelly Lee (Mike), Daniel Knight, Julie Buckhalter, Shannie Ennis, Shawn Ennis (Jessica) David Knight and great grandchildren, Chelsey Roe, Ricky Buckhalter, Annika Ennis, Brooke Lee, Vance Ennis, Brynne Lee, and Jameson Ennis. Viewing will be held at Helm – Gallagher Funeral Home, 1811 Idlewild Ave, Green Cove Springs, Florida Friday February 18, 2022 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Services at Sacred Heart Catholic Mission Church 207 Palmetto Ave, Green Cove Springs, FL Saturday February 19, 2022 at 1:00 PM. Burial to follow at Hickory Grove Cemetery. Arrangements under the care of Helm-Gallagher Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1811 Idlewild Avenue, SR 16, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. 904-284-9696. www.helmgallagherfh.com