Rita Dolores Koetters
Rita Dolores Koetters, 82, formerly of Quincy, died unexpectedly Friday morning, January 11, 2013 in her home in Carol Stream, Illinois. She was born March 7, 1930, in Quincy, a daughter to Ted and Bessie McCaughey.
Rita graduated from Quincy Notre Dame in 1948, and married Gene Koetters, her high school sweetheart, on August 18, 1951, in St. Rose Church. Gene and Rita quickly began a family – she was a devoted mother to her 8 children and took great pride and joy in raising them. She was a fixture at Quincy Notre Dame in the ’70s and ’80s, watching her sons play basketball and soccer, as she was their biggest fan. She loved to play bridge and missed her bridge friends dearly when she and Gene moved to Chicago to be near their children. She could play a mean game of gin, and hated to lose. She was also an avid reader. She and Gene were active members of the Knights of Columbus and looked forward to working Bingo, playing golf, and visiting with friends. She spent the last 10 years taking care of Gene, as his health slowly declined, determined not to put him in a nursing home. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Survivors include eight children, Theresa Koetters (Jim Elsworth), Deanna (Robert) Christie, Timothy (Catherine) Koetters, Donna (Tom) Scherzer, Gary Koetters, Barb (Mike) Killion, Kevin (Susan) Koetters and Angela Koetters; 15 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and two sisters, Bette Awerkamp and Lucy Steinkamp.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; 2 brothers – Joseph McCaughey and the Reverend Gerald McCaughey; 3 sisters – Ginny Powell, Catherine Wastler, and Rosemary Lear; and a daughter-in-law, Karen Koetters.
SERVICES: 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at Duker and Haugh Funeral Home, with a Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Frances Catholic Church conducted by the Rev. Duc Pham, O.F.M. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.
VISITATION: 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, January 14, 2013 in the funeral home with a prayer service at 4:30 p.m.
MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, to Quincy Notre Dame.
ARRANGEMENTS: Duker and Haugh Funeral Home.
Dear Barb, Kevin and Angie, My deepest sympathies to you and all your family. Thinking of you and remembering the fun times growing up, playing in the neighborhood and your backyard.
Even tho I never met her and I sure she was a great lady and has secured a geart place in heaven. my thoughts and prayers to Angie and the family
While I never met Rita I am sure she was a great lady and has a special place in Heaven. My thoughts and paryers to Angie and the rest of the family.
Aunt Rita and family the sorrow that you are going through now will soon pass the the joy you will rememer from your past chirldhood and adult life will give way to the many stories you will share. This McCaughey family has such an amazing resiliensy and we will never be too far away from each other. Bev and I are so sorry we could not have been there to enjoy the celebration. We love you all.
To the Family of Rita & Gene,
I know we met a couple of you at one time or another at the K of C over the years. Melody and I thought the world of your parents, and can remember many times just “partying with Rita. She was always so much fun. I always envied her energy because I would wear down before she would. Our thoughts and sincere prayers are with all of you during this time of sorrow. But we all know that she is in the Lord’s arms and resting now from her labors. God Bless all of you and I pray for the consolation of the Holy Spirit to be with you.
Barb, thinking of you, Mike and your family at this time. May you find comfort in good memories you have.
Tim, My prayers are with you and your family at this time. May your mother rest in peace in God’s loving arm.
Bernie
Stacey and I send our deepest sympathy to the whole family. It was a real treat to meet Rita and all of you in Sept. May she rest in peace.
Theresa, Dee, Tim, Gary, Donna, Kevin, Barb and Angie – please accept our condolences and regret we have been unable to attend services for your mom or dad. Many flashbacks to McCaughey events, north 26th Street and 2626. I know a difficult time for all but cherish the good stuff. Best to all. – Ted Awerkamp
Rest in peace Aunt Rita knowing that you have great family to leave as your legacy.