Rita Darlene Gass, nee Steffan, 79, of Belleville, IL, born Thursday, December 4, 1941, in Belleville, IL, passed away Thursday, April 1, 2021 at her residence in Belleville, IL.
Rita worked as a secretary for Our Lady of the Snows and was a member of Westview Baptist Church Swansea IL. She enjoyed many things, but her greatest joy by far was being a grandma.
She was preceded in death by her:
- Infant son: Richard Gass
- Parents, Martin and Wilma, nee McGough, Steffan
Surviving are her:
- Former spouse and dear friend: William Gass of Baldwin, IL
- Daughters
- Julie (Steve) Hecht of Old Monroe, MO
- Amy Gass of Belleville, IL
- Jennifer (Eric) Meinkoth of Lebanon, IL
- Sister: Joan Cange of Ocala, FL
- Grandchildren
- Jessica Hecht
- Stephen (Ally) Hecht
- Natalie Meinkoth
- Valerie Meinkoth
- Great granddaughter: Charolette Hecht
- Lifelong friends
- Betty McAdoo
- Karen Flattich
Memorials: Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society
Visitation: Visitation from 1:00 – 3:00 pm, Sunday, April 11, 2021 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 pm, Sunday, April 11, 2021 at Kurrus Funeral Home, with Rev. David Ratliff officiating. Private Interment.
9 Comments To "Rita Darlene Gass"
#1 Comment By Ellen Parker On April 5, 2021 @ 11:31 am
Jennifer and family, please accept my condolences on the passing of your Mother. I always enjoyed her candor, humor and smile. RIP, Rita.
Ellen Parker
#2 Comment By Karen Flattich On April 5, 2021 @ 2:37 pm
Rita was a dear friend to me and I will miss her tremendously. May she rest in peace.
#3 Comment By Bill Clugston On April 5, 2021 @ 3:41 pm
Rita was not only a cousin. She was my sister in Christ. Hope you’re having a big family reunion up there in Heaven and I look forward to joining you. In the meantime, God still has some tasks for me to perform and some lessons for me to learn.
#4 Comment By Kathy Lambert On April 5, 2021 @ 9:42 pm
Dear friend….I remember the great times we had working together at the Shrine, going to bingo, movie, lunch or dinners and our Branson trip. You will be missed miracle lady. I’ll bet you have everything organized by now in heaven. My condolences to all of your caring family.
#5 Comment By Judy Kohlmeier On April 8, 2021 @ 8:25 am
Dear family and to my best friend Amy. My deepest sypathy to your family, Rita was a great person and a wonderfulMother to you all.Gods Peace to you all at this difficult time. She will be sadly missed. You will remember her everyday.
Your friends Judy and Ivan Kohlmeier
#6 Comment By Karen Schwarztrauber On April 9, 2021 @ 7:12 am
I am sorry to hear that Rita has passed away. Amy you and your sisters are in my prayers.
Karen Kasson Schwarztrauber
#7 Comment By Fr. James Allen, OMI On April 9, 2021 @ 11:24 am
Rita was a lovely addition to the staff of the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows. She wore “different hats” over the years, but she was always cheerful and welcoming to the other staff members and to the visitors. God give her eternal rest and may He also give blessings to her family.
#8 Comment By Debra & Mike On April 9, 2021 @ 12:16 pm
Dear Amy…and family..
We’re blessed to have had the privilege of having I
You a neighbor…and friends…. praying for you..God bless…see you soon!
#9 Comment By Mary Goodwin On April 9, 2021 @ 4:21 pm
To Rita’s family and friends…I am sorry for your loss. Letting go is never easy. I met Rita when our kids were young and we went
bowling for a fun break!! Once we took a long drive to Southern Illinois with the kids. Such fun and good memories. May your memories warm your hearts and soothe your souls.