Obituary of Rita Diane Budinsky

Rita Diane Budinsky

(nee Gibson)

Rita Diane Budinsky, age 58, of Jackson, TN, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at RML Specialty Hospital in Hinsdale, IL. She was born on March 15, 1967, in Jackson,TN. Rita was the daughter of the late Red Gibson and Pat Whitehead.  Rita was a graduate of Crockett County High School and attended West TN Business College.

Rita was celebrated as Employee of The Year at The Jackson Clinic where she was employed for 10 years. She was also employed by PathGroup Labs, where she started as a Phlebotomist and worked her way up to Accessioning Manager during the 12 years that she was employed with them. In addition to her children and grandchildren, she adored her dogs and animals.

Rita married the love of her life, Paul Budinsky, and together they built a home filled with laughter and joy (and probably a bit of harmless chaos). Rita was fiercely proud of her children.  She lit up whenever she spoke of them and doubled that glow when talking about her grandchildren. While her absence leaves a quiet space, her memory fills it with joy and warmth.

Rita is survived by her loving husband of 24 years, Paul Budinsky Jr.; her daughters, Heather (LJ) Killen, Mary Beth (Parker) Francis, and Isabella Budinsky; five grandchildren, Ayden Ballentine, Riley Cash, Justin and Lane Killen, and Mason Francis; her sister, Karla Obie; brother, Ritchie (Dee Dee) Gibson; and nieces, Candie (Austin) Cook and Katie (Jeb) Wimberly.

She is preceded by her father, Red Gibson; her mother, Pat Whitehead; and her stepfather, Fred Whitehead.

A Celebration of Life for Rita Diane Budinsky will be held privately by the family at a later date.  As it was her request, cremation rites have been accorded.

 For more information, please call the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home at 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.