Obituary: Rio Loren Doolittle
Rio Loren Doolittle was born in Des Moines, Iowa on November 4, 1964, to Gary and Kay (Bennett) Doolittle. They moved to their newly acquired farm in Ringgold County, and he was joined shortly after by little brother Nick.
Gary and Kay raised their boys on hard work and hard play. Rio’s first love was probably farming. With blocks fastened to the petals of the D17 Diesel, he began taking on tasks and responsibilities of the family farm. Not far from his love of farming was the love of driving and speed. Dirt bikes filled the void between farming seasons. The wheels and speed were a source of freedom for a soul that could not be tied down.
Soon that freedom outgrew 2 wheels into a ’69 Charger, purchased from an aunt for $100 before his teenage years. With the guidance of his father and the help from friends, that Charger became the basis of many adventures and stories. Gary admitted that he should have probably handed out more discipline in this era, but Rio didn’t hurt anyone else, so he supposed it was ok. Rio pushed the limits. He drove fast, made noise, and made an early impression on the community.
Everyone knows fast cars and freedom attract girls and he found one. He was the freedom and wild that she needed, and she was the anchor that he needed to keep him grounded. He married Sheryl on May 19, 1985. They added a son Mitch Loren in November and a daughter Jessica Lee in September of the next year. His direction changed with his responsibilities. With these additions, he added love for his family. He worked long nights and days to provide for his young family. Working nights at Mid Continent Bottlers and farming and keeping things running during the day, he began to build a legacy.
In the early 90s, he combined all these loves by buying his first semi. The 1991 FL120 allowed him to be financially capable; self-employment allowed him to be able to be there for his family and farm. The best part was that he could drive. He loved to drive. Sheryl and Rio built a love and business that had no comparison. The love centered around their children and family. Sheryl was the family support and Rio was the fixer. Jessica tested them throughout the years, and they learned to fight for her more than anyone else could have.
Granddaughters were a weakness for him. Alana “Laner”, Addison “Turbo” and Alyssa “Boo” were the light of his life. He spoiled them in every way possible. He taught them to drive tractors and would light up like no other when he could put them in a piece of machinery and turn them loose.
Being more financially stable allowed Rio to collect the toys he longed for. It was a means to revisit the danger and speed of his younger days. Dirt bikes, four wheelers, boats, the “Caddy”, tractors, the “Two-Ten”. A well-known personality at the tractor pulls for sure. He was the “cool old dude” he always dreamed to be. Taking any and all available bodies to Three Mile Lake and burning fuel through the old Cobalt was him in his prime.
He longed for a group of friends and found them in his camping group. Last to bed and “fairly” early to rise was his trademark. Ornery antics were full time at the campsite. The camping group turned to a “cruise crew” where they took these antics abroad.
If you needed a friend, fixer, expert or just a good time he was your man. We will not be sorry for our loss; we will be happy for the time we had. “It is what it is”
-Legends Never Die-
Rio passed away on April 28, 2026. He is preceded in death by his dad Gary, father-in-law Carl Turner and step father-in-law Robert Conway.
He is survived by his wife Sheryl; son Mitch (Lacy); daughter Jessica; granddaughters Alana (Louden Main), Addison, Alyssa; Mother Kay; brother Nick (Erin); favorite mother-in-law Donna Conway; many nieces, nephews, other family and lots of friends.
Services were held at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr. Honorary Pallbearers include Larry Jarred, Levi Jarred, Tyler Jarred, Jason Ackley, Hannah Ackley, Buddy Allen, Ron Swanson, John Clark, Mason Mercer, Malcom Mercer, Jacob Grief, and Justin Grief.
A reception followed at the Mount Ayr American Legion. Burial will be at a later date in the New Virginia Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established for the Poverty Ridge Pulling Team.
