Rita M. LaCroix

Rita M. LaCroix, 89, of Sioux City died Thursday, July 31, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 4, 2008 St. Joseph Catholic Church. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, August 3, 2008 with the family present 4 to 6 p.m. and a vigil service at 5 p.m., at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel.

Rita M. LaCroix, 89, of Sioux City died Thursday, July 31, 2008, at Indian Hills Nursing and Rehab Center.

Rita was born Oct. 23, 1918, in Salix, Iowa, to Thomas and Elizabeth (Farmer) Coyne.

She married Peter LaCroix on Nov. 22, 1939, in Sioux City. Mr. LaCroix preceded her in death. Rita was a waitress at the White Palace, Plaza Bowl and Sunshine Food Market.

She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Ladies Auxiliary, Rosary Society, and she enjoyed church bazaars and dinners. She also enjoyed dancing, gardening, flowers, movies, crossword puzzles, quilting, cooking, baking, but the best times came when she spent it with family and friends.

Rita was a strong-willed woman with a heart of gold. She faced many obstacles throughout her life starting in childhood, but rarely would you hear any complaints. If someone thought she couldn't do something, including doctors, she always proved them wrong. That is most evident in her 89 years of life, when not expected to exceed 21. When you think of true Irish blood and determination, that was Rita, who said, "Always remember 'better days ahead.'"

Survivors include a son, Tom (Mavis) LaCroix of Sioux City; three daughters, Karen M. (Dennis) Hogan, Patricia (Keith) Boden and Kathleen LaCroix, all of Sioux City; six grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and a special little girl, Nevahna Shultz of Sioux City.

She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant son; her husband; and 12 brothers and sisters.