Rita F. King, age 87, late of Homer Glen formerly of Matteson. Beloved wife for 60 years of the late Marion; devoted mother of Monica (Jim) Lee, Marcia (late Garry) Rivera, and Matthew (Kelly) King; proud grandmother of Amber (J.P.), Michael (Jen), Melinda, Jocelyn (Jesse), Mitchell, Madeline, Stephanie, Paige, Bailey, Gabriella, Carter, Hannah, and Caroline and adoring great grandmother of Elise, Juliana and Lainey; dear sister of five siblings; kind aunt of many nieces and nephews.

Rita grew up in rural Illinois on a dairy farm with her parents and five siblings. After high school, she worked as a telephone operator for several years before moving to the south suburbs of Chicago. There she married, had her first child and dedicated her time to her family, settling in Matteson for 60 years. It is here, Rita and Marion had many special relationships with the families on 216th Place and helped plan and organize an annual Block Party for 30+ years. Later she also worked as a supervisor in food services at Rich South High School for 15 years.

Rita shared a love of board games, music and dancing with her family. Especially dancing as she was an avid line dancer for many years. Following Marion's retirement, they enjoyed many winters in Fort Myers, Florida, constantly making many new friends and memories at Plantation Estates.

In her free time, Rita enjoyed working on crafts and was very active in volunteer activities with her St. Lawrence O'Toole parish, American Legion Women's Auxiliary Post 474 including Edward Hines VA Hospital. Even after moving to a retirement community in Homer Glen, she was a community ambassador, committee volunteer, chapel assistant and bean bag whiz. She certainly earned her reputation as the "energizer bunny"!

Rita's compassion, dedication to family and ability to make others feel cherished will be profoundly missed. Her memory will live on in the lives she touched and the love she shared so freely.

Visitation Friday, December 6, from 3:00 - 8:00 PM at Thornridge Funeral Home (Janusz Family Funeral Service) 14318 S. LaGrange Rd. (Northbound traffic: U-turn permitted at 143rd St.) Orland Park. Lying-in-state Saturday, December 7, from 8:30 AM until the time of the Funeral Mass at 9:30 AM, directly at Marian Village, 15624 Marian Drive, Homer Glen. Private interment at a later date Abraham Lincoln Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Rita has requested that donations be made to her great nephew Hank*. Please make check payable to Monica Lee, 1920 Lakeview Drive, Delavan WI 53115 and all proceeds will be given to Hank.

*One of Rita's deepest connections was with her great nephew Hank Kovach, who faces multiple disabilities requiring constant care and frequent hospital visits. Rita held a special place in her heart for Hank, always making him a priority in her thoughts and prayers. Every time she saw Megan, her niece, her first question would be about Hank, showing her unwavering care and concern.