Mass of the Resurrection was held July 28 at St Joseph Catholic Church in Jefferson for Rita Ann McDermott Reis, 91, of Perry.
Celebrant was Fr Jeff Schleisman. Wayne Ahern was lector and Rachel Ahern, Sarah Goodchild and Megan Romens were gift bearers. Altar servers were Donivan and Sullivan Tighe. Soloist was Amy Roberts with Lois Last as accompanist.
Casket bearers were Ryan Tighe , David Tighe, Patrick McDermott, Matt Dirkx , Chris Dirkx , Michael Dirkx, Megan Romens, Kacie Purl, Sarah Goodchild, Rachel Ahern, and Ethan Ahern. Interment was at St Mary Cemetery in Franklin Township, Greene County.
Rita (McDermott) Reis was born October 10, 1925, in Bayard to Arthur and Julia (Watts) Moylan. Rita graduated from Bayard High School and attended St. Mary’s College in Omaha for two years. Following college, Rita travelled to California to work and live with her brother John for a short time. She returned to Iowa where she worked in Des Moines, Jefferson and for the last 20 years of her career in Perry at Oscar Mayer before retiring in 1989.
Rita married John “Art” McDermott on March 29, 1948. To this union five children were born: Mary, Monica, Margaret, Mark and Michele. They were married for 41 years. During their last years together, Rita was caretaker as Art’s health failed. Together they enjoyed camping and their grandchildren who visited often.
Following Art’s death in 1990, Rita married Laverne Reis and continued to enjoy camping with Good Sam’s Camp Club with their many friends. They lived in Greenfield where Rita was active in St. John Catholic Church.
After Laverne passed away, Rita moved to Jefferson, residing at the Gardens Assisted Living. As a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Jefferson for many years, Rita attended mass regularly. Her faith was an important part of her life.
Crafting, cross-stitch, knitting, sewing, quilting – Rita could do it all. Her family has been the recipient of many beautiful quilts and afghans. Chocolate chip cookies were a staple at Rita’s house. She passed her baking skills and love of chocolate on to her family as well.
Rita died at age 91 at the Rowley Memorial Masonic Home in Perry. Lewy Body Disease contributed to her failing health.
Survivors include five children: Mary (Bill) Tighe of Bagley, Monica (LaVern) Dirkx of Carroll, Margaret Knosby of Perry, Mark (Kristy) McDermott of Jamaica, and Michele (Wayne) Ahern of Solon; 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; her sister Kathleen (Tom) Ferguson of Greensboro, NC; many other relatives and friends.
Preceding her in death were her parents, husbands John Arthur McDermott and LaVerne Reis; brother John Moylan; sisters Regina Ryan and Madonna Hagen; granddaughter Molly Ahern; and son-in-law Tim Knosby.
Family requests memorials be made to HCI Hospice Care Services, 610 10th Street, Perry, IA 50220.
