Rita J. Stark
Rita J. Stark, age 78, of 1226 Madison St., died on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 in Blessing Hospital. She was born on March 11, 1938 in Leonard, MO the daughter of Otho and Tollie (McNeil) Bichsel. She married Gerald “Buck” Stark on June 15, 1957 in St. Michael Church in Leonard, MO. He survives. Rita was a CNA at the Illinois Veterans Home after the raising of her seven children.
She was a volunteer for the Ladies of Charity. Rita was a member of the Church of St. Peter where she also volunteered at the Adoration Chapel. Along with her sister-in-law, Dorothy Bichsel, Rita was well known for making cakes for her family and friends’ special occasions.
In addition to her husband, she is also survived by:
SEVEN CHILDREN: Joey Stark and his wife Debby of Maywood, MO; Teresa Pillsbury and her husband Doug of Petersburg, IL; Connie Deming of Quincy; Greg Stark of Quincy; Kevin Stark of Maywood, MO; John Stark and his wife Bess of Quincy and Tina Wingerter and her husband Vic also of Quincy.
FOUR BROTHERS: Johnny Bichsel and his wife Dorothy; Fred Bichsel and his wife Fae; Pat Bichsel and his wife Suzanne and Kenny Bichsel and his wife Roberta.
ONE SISTER: Angela Lepper and her husband Kent.
23 GRANDCHILDREN, 16 GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN along with numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents, one granddaughter Lexi Pillsbury, brothers; Bernard Bichsel, George Bichsel and Paul Bichsel and a sister: Eleanor Kidwell.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 10:00 AM in the Church of St. Peter. Interment in St. Michael Cemetery in Leonard, MO on Saturday afternoon at 2:00 PM. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 20, 2016 from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Ladies of Charity, Blessing Foundation for Hospice or to the St. Michael Cemetery Association.
Angela, our prayers are with you and your family. May Jesus bring peace to you all.
Tina and family I was saddened to learn of the passing of your mother. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this time of Great Loss. God Bless!
To the entire Stark family, Please know that our prayers and love are with the family of this incredible lady. We had such respect for Rita, and we know her loss is immeasurable.
So sorry for your loss, Kenny, Roberta, and family! Thoughts and prayers go out to you!
Our Deepest Sympathy to entire family.
Stark family, I am deeply sorry for the loss of a wonderful woman. Your Mom would always put a smile on my face. She will be missed by all that loves her & by the people’s hearts she had touched. Love y’all !!! Teresa Oshner-London
Our sweet Meredith, we are so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you, and your family May God comfort you all, Love you
Tina and family I am so sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. Prayers for comfort.
I am sorry for your loss. I worked with Rita at the Veterans Home. She was a very nice lady and a good CNA. She will be missed.
John, my sincere sympathy to you and your family. I will keep you in my thoughts & prayers.
Cindy Viar
Buck & Family, We are keeping you in our prayers. God be with you watch over you through these hard times.
I absolutely loved Rita , I worked with her quite a bit She had a contagious laugh My condolences to the family and friends
Tina, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Joey and family, I am sorry to hear of your loss. I know that the thoughts and prayers of many are with you and the family.
So sorry for your loss Buck. Our profound sympathy to you and your entire family.