Rita Jean Stanley

Mass of Christian Burial for Rita Stanley, age 98 of Norfolk NE, Formally South Sioux City NE, will be held Tuesday Sept 30th at 10:30am at St Michaels Catholic Church in South Sioux City NE. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm on Monday Sept 29th with a Vigil service at 7pm at St Michaels Catholic Church.

Rita died on September 25th at Bel Air Nursing Home in Norfolk, NE following a short illness. She was surrounded by her family.

Rita Jean Stanley, age 98 was born on August 31st, 1927, to Frank and Edith (McGowen) Boeshart in Dixon, Nebraska.

Rita was united in marriage to Dale Stanley May 20, 1948, at St Anne’s Catholic Church in Dixon, NE. Together they lived in the Dixon area until 1976. They then moved to Cozad, NE until they both retired and moved South Sioux City in 1990. She is a graduate of Dixon High School and Wayne State College. Rita was a lifelong educator. Her first job was in a country school in Waterbury, NE at the age of 16. She taught 31 years in rural Dixon County, Dixon Elementary School and Cozad City Schools.

She was an active member of her parish throughout her retirement. She served in the Legion of Mary and the Catholic Daughters, holding offices in both organizations. She also served others through welcome committees at church, taking communion to the homebound and funeral lunches.

Rita also had a great talent for crocheting and crafting. She spent her time making handmade rosaries to give away as gifts. She made countless blankets and Christmas ornaments for her many grandchildren.

Rita is survived by her 8 children. Kathie and husband Dennis Gothier of Norfolk, NE, Dale “Pat” and wife Vicki Stanley of South Sioux City, NE, Donna Stanley of Sioux City, Iowa, Sr Brigid Stanley, PBVM of Dubuque, Iowa, Noel and wife Brenda Stanley of Lincoln, NE, Lorraine Pinkelman of Coleridge, NE, Laurie and husband Monte Johnson of Manhattan, KS, Toni and husband Tim Stanley of Blueridge, TX. 26 grandchildren,57 great grandchildren and 16 great- great grandchildren.

Rita is preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Dale Stanley, Son in law Keevin Pinkelman, grandson Ben Pinkelman, her parents Frank and Edith (McGowen) Boeshart, sisters Patricia Gleason, Angeline Stanley and Edith Fessler, brothers Frank Boeshart and Neal Boeshart.

Memorials can be directed to AseraCare Hospice of Norfolk, Nebraska.

Condolences may be directed to her son Pat Stanley of South Sioux City NE, 318 W. 31st Street, South Sioux City, NE. 68776.