Rita C. Hildebrand, age 98, of rural Quincy went to her heavenly reward on Thursday, March 1, 2018 in St. Vincent’s Home. She was born March 28, 1919 in Melrose Township, the daughter of Oscar and Rosina (Bockhold) Schreacke. She married Virgil Hildebrand in St. Anthony Catholic Church on June 12, 1940. Virgil died on January 31, 1977.

Her entire married life was spent on the Hildebrand Dairy Farm where she worked and raised her five sons. When the boys were all in school, she began her career at Quincy Paper Box as a supervisor and designer of candy boxes. She retired after 28 years of service.

Most important to Rita was her Catholic faith which guided her throughout her life. She took great pride to be the oldest active member of St. Anthony Catholic Church and the oldest living resident in Ellington Township.

She remained active until the last few years as a member of the K of C Ladies Auxiliary, RSVP and her church choir, Quilter’s Club, 50 and Over Club, Ladies Society and We Care Committee. As a member of We Care she organized and served over 100 funeral dinners for St. Dominic Church families. She was famous for her German Potato Salad that she made every year for the K of C Barbecue.

Her hobbies included mushroom hunting, bird watching, reading, and gardening, golfing, mowing her yard, and cooking holiday meals for her family. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, walking in the woods, and telling the many stories of her life.
Two highlights in her life were a hot air balloon ride on 9-27-01 and making a hole-in-one on #5 hole at the K of C course on 9-21-98. She began golfing at the age of 78 and gave up playing the game at 95. She continued following the game she loved on TV and enjoyed watching Tiger Woods.

During her life she faced many challenges with the attitude and comment “I can do it” and “Whatever”. Her faith was strengthened with daily prayer, which included a prayer to her patron St. Rita on a prayer card that she received at the time of her First Communion. This was a very treasured gift and constantly close to her.

Survivors include five sons, Dennis (JoAnn); Kenneth (Joyce); Michael; Larry (Cathy) all of Quincy; Lester (Cindy) of Colorado Springs, CO; Nine grandchildren, Scott Hildebrand of Carmel, CA; Erica(Brad) Kirlin; Todd (Melissa) Hildebrand; Chad (Karla) Hildebrand all of Quincy; Julie (Andrew) Meyer of Wentzville, MO; Stacy (Don) Matulevich of Sherman, IL; Jamie (Becca) Hildebrand; Gregg (Christina) Hildebrand; Jill (Rob) Griggs of Security, CO;
13 Great-Grandchildren, Jake Hildebrand, Hayden, Trevor and Paxton Kirlin; Hunter and Madalyn Hildebrand all of Quincy; Allison and Will Meyer of Wentzville, MO; Michael Matulevich of Sherman, IL; Natalia and Aliya Hildebrand; Dietrich and Declan Hildebrand and two step-granddaughters, Sandy and Livie Griggs of Colorado Springs. Many loving nieces, nephews and friends also survive.

She was the last of her family and was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, three brothers and their wives, Raymond (Mildred); Eugene; Elmer (Betty) Schreacke; and four sisters and their husbands, Clara (Raymond) Wellman; Mildred (Frank) Brueggeman; Rosalie (Gerald) Davis; Agnes (Carl) Willer and a great-granddaughter, Emily Hildebrand.

The family wishes to extend their sincere and heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the loving and supportive care provided by Blessing Hospice staff, especially Donna Lewis; the staff at Casita Catherine Assisted Living, the St. Vincent Home staff, especially Sister Jackie for her prayers and her love to Rita and family during this difficult time. Rita loved her extended family and felt their love and compassion in return.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church by Rev. Tom Donovan. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at St. Anthony Church and Wednesday morning from 10:00 until 10:30 a.m. at St. Anthony’s. Memorials are suggested to the K of C Mass for Shut-Ins or to St. Anthony Catholic Church.
Funeral arrangements are with the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. www.dukerandhaugh.com