Rita Rose Mitchell, 83, went to be with our Lord, on September 28, 2022, at her home surrounded by her family, after more than two months of hospital and rehab stays.
Rita was born August 24, 1939. She was adopted from the Lutheran Orphanage in Addison, IL, by LeRoy and Mabel Kasten. She was raised in Freeport with her two siblings. Rita loved helping her dad in the yard and working at her dad’s business: Superior Dairy. She graduated from Freeport High School in 1957. Rita was blessed to be reunited with her natural siblings later in life.
Rita married the love of her life, Jim, on September 7, 1958. Her family was her pride and joy. She spent many years pouring love into her three children, five grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. She made many memories fishing with her grandchildren at Rock Lake, attending all of their sporting events, and her favorite activity all year long was making Christmas cookies with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had many friends through card club, playing her dulcimer, and church. She loved building puzzles, and was thrilled with the scooter that Jim bought for her to ride the sidewalks in Winnebago and take a ride for ice cream.
Rita helped to support her family by working a variety of jobs through the years, but was most proud of her years as a CUSD 323 school bus driver and a driver for the Winnebago area Senior Citizens. She planned parties and outings for the senior citizens for years.
Rita was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Winnebago and greatly appreciated Pastor Lisa Lopez-Meyers visits this summer.
Rita is survived by her husband of 64 years, Jim; children, Teresa Mitchell, Diana (John) Seitz, and Tim (Lisa) Mitchell; grandchildren, Andy (Kelly) Smallwood, Amanda (Wally) Francis, Taylor Seitz, Steven Mitchell, Julia Mitchell; great-grandchildren, Jordyn, Reily, Jude, Grant, Kamil, Adrian, Sasha, and Maxsym; siblings, Ruth Morthland, and Bill (Norma) Klinke; sisters-in-law, Janet (Tim) Schafer, Judy Mitchell, and Shirley Lewis; cousin, Sharon Ruthe; several nieces and nephews.
Rita is predeceased by her parents; siblings, Roy Rick, Bobby Mrazek, Rosemary Mchaula, Luke Kasten, and Janet Dumroese; special aunt, Harriet Crull; and foster son Les Wilson.
Celebration of life 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 7, 2022, at First Presbyterian Church of Winnebago, 208 W. Winnebago St., Winnebago with Reverend Lisa Lopez-Meyer officiating.
Memorial visitation 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, October 6, 2022, at Genandt Funeral Home, 602 N. Elida St., Winnebago.
Cremation rites accorded with interment at Winnebago Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established at First Presbyterian Church of Winnebago for the Work Camp Group. For an online obituary and tributes go to www.genandtfuneralhome.com.
Previous Events
Memorial Visitation
6
Oct
602 N. Elida St.
Winnebago, IL 61088
Celebration of Life
7
Oct
208 W. Winnebago St.
Winnebago, IL 61088
Cemetery Details
Location
Westfield Rd.
Winnebago, IL 61088
