November 14, 1950 ~ October 7, 2026 (age 75)
Rita Cotney Fetner, 75, of Lanett, Alabama, died surrounded by her family on October 7, 2026, at UAB Hospital in Birmingham after a long struggle with health complications. Born on November 14, 1950, in Daviston, Alabama, Rita lived a life marked by devotion, kindness, and steady faith. She was a faithful member of West End Baptist Church, where she served in numerous roles and was deeply committed to her church family. Those who knew her remember the grace and humility she carried with her, and the comfort and warmth she brought to everyone around her.
Rita was well known for her crockpot dressing and her homemade soap, both of which reflected the care and generosity she poured into everything she did. She had a gift for making others feel welcome, and her home and table were often places of comfort and fellowship. She loved working in her garden, where she grew fruits, vegetables, and flowers, and took great pride in its beauty and bounty. She also enjoyed antiquing and selling some of her finds online, a pursuit in which she was quite successful.
Above all, Rita treasured time with her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Gaines Fetner; her children, Monica Kimbrough and her husband Randy, and Brandon Fetner and his wife Sherrie; her grandchildren, Caleb Fetner and his wife Cloie, Madison Kimbrough, and Eryn Fetner; and her great-granddaughter, Emilia Jean Fetner. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who will remember her with love and gratitude.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Henrietta Cotney; her sister, Phyllis Cotney; her brother, Tony Cotney; and an infant sister who passed away at birth. Her family grieves her loss but takes comfort in the legacy she leaves behind, one built on faith, devotion, and unconditional love. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit and the many ways she blessed the lives of others.
Funeral services will be held Monday, October 12, 2026, at 11:00 AM (EDT) at West End Baptist Church, with Pastor Noah McGuire and the Reverend Don Downs officiating. Interment will follow in Fairfax Cemetery in Valley. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 AM (EDT) until the service hour.
Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made in memory of Rita to West End Baptist Church, 2809 55th Street, Valley, AL, 36854.
Please visit Rita’s Memorial Tribute page at www.johnsonbrownservicefh.com to leave a kind word for her family, to share a memory of Rita, or to light a Remembrance Candle in her memory.
Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home of Valley directing.
Local Obituaries brought to you by Frederick-Dean and Valley Point Funeral Homes. “Serving our communities in their time of need”.
