Rita J. Marks
December 24th, 1937 - November 30th, 2021
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Rita's Obituary
Rita J. Marks, 83, of New Lenox, IL, formerly of Benton Harbor, MI passed away on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, surrounded by her family.
A celebration of life service will be held on Monday, December 6, 2021, at 12PM, at Blue Roof Church, 3084 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Pastor Dan Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Monday from 10AM until the time of service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Blue Roof Church, 3084 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel.
Rita was born on December 24, 1937, to Rolland & June (Funkhouser) Redding in Dayton, OH. She graduated from Jefferson Township High School, Goshen, IN and continued her education at Purdue North Central later in life. She worked as a bookkeeper for LaPorte Community School for over 20 years before her retirement. On June 12, 2001, she married Rev. Edward Marks Jr., in Rogers, AR.
Rita was a long-time member of Blue Roof Church where she played the organ for church services and hosted seminary students, in her home, for years. Music was a powerful force in her life. She began playing piano, organ and the accordion at twelve years old and shared her gift, alongside her father and brother, at churches and local venues in Northern Indiana. Raising four children, her greatest passion was family. Her grandchildren were the “crowning jewels” of her life. She was also an avid traveler, visiting many states and countries with her husband and children. In her later days, she had the joy of sharing time with her grandchildren and loved doing puzzles and playing games.
Rita is survived by her children, Susan Fraticelli of Collinsville, IL, Debra Beckman of St. Louis, MO, Kellie (Timothy) Newman of Indian Hills, CO, and John (Cindy) Petrosky of New Lenox, IL; grandchildren Sarah (Chris), Carl (Emma), Christian (Courtney), Andy, Molly, Faith, Tony, Nick, Casey, Cara, Will, Jacob, Katie, Emily, one great-grandchild Rose and niece Michelle.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Rolland & June Redding; husband Rev. Edward Marks Jr., and brother David Redding.
A celebration of life service will be held on Monday, December 6, 2021, at 12PM, at Blue Roof Church, 3084 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Pastor Dan Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Monday from 10AM until the time of service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Blue Roof Church, 3084 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel.
Rita was born on December 24, 1937, to Rolland & June (Funkhouser) Redding in Dayton, OH. She graduated from Jefferson Township High School, Goshen, IN and continued her education at Purdue North Central later in life. She worked as a bookkeeper for LaPorte Community School for over 20 years before her retirement. On June 12, 2001, she married Rev. Edward Marks Jr., in Rogers, AR.
Rita was a long-time member of Blue Roof Church where she played the organ for church services and hosted seminary students, in her home, for years. Music was a powerful force in her life. She began playing piano, organ and the accordion at twelve years old and shared her gift, alongside her father and brother, at churches and local venues in Northern Indiana. Raising four children, her greatest passion was family. Her grandchildren were the “crowning jewels” of her life. She was also an avid traveler, visiting many states and countries with her husband and children. In her later days, she had the joy of sharing time with her grandchildren and loved doing puzzles and playing games.
Rita is survived by her children, Susan Fraticelli of Collinsville, IL, Debra Beckman of St. Louis, MO, Kellie (Timothy) Newman of Indian Hills, CO, and John (Cindy) Petrosky of New Lenox, IL; grandchildren Sarah (Chris), Carl (Emma), Christian (Courtney), Andy, Molly, Faith, Tony, Nick, Casey, Cara, Will, Jacob, Katie, Emily, one great-grandchild Rose and niece Michelle.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Rolland & June Redding; husband Rev. Edward Marks Jr., and brother David Redding.
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