Rita A. Zoeller | Obituary

Rita A. Zoeller, 87, of Columbia, died May 6, 2016.

She was born Aug. 23, 1928, in Paderborn, daughter of the late Peter and Cecelia Neff (nee Brielmaier).

She married the late Sylvester “Pete” Zoeller Sept. 9, 1948, in Smithton; he preceded her in death Aug. 14, 2002.

Rita was a member of the Immaculate Conception Altar Sodality, Columbia Gymnastic Association Auxilary and Sister Cities of Columbia. She was retired from First Bank in Columbia.

Survivors include her daughters Mary (Albert) DeLassus of Florissant, Mo., and Linda Zoeller of Columbia; sons Robert (Linda) Zoeller of Bel Air, Md., and John (Donna) Zoeller of North Palm Beach, Fla.; grandchildren Lindsey (James) Stephens, Lauren Zoeller, Evan Zoeller and Chelsea (George) Cepicky; great-grandchildren Drake and Cameron Stephens; brothers Loraine “Beanie” (Helen) Neff of New Athens, Anthony “Tony” Neff of Smithton, and Cyril (Janet) Neff of Swansea; sisters-in-law Helen Mae Shea of Columbia,  and Joan Zoeller of Columbia; along with other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Herbert (Helen) Neff; brothers-in-law Jim Zoeller and Leo Shea; and sister-in-law Arlene Neff.

Visitation is May 10, from 4 to 8 p.m., at Lawlor Funeral Home, Columbia.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated May 11, at 10 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Columbia, with Fr. Carl Scherrer officiating.

Interment will follow at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Columbia.

As an expression of sympathy, the family prefers memorial contributions to: The Eugene Schorb — Immaculate Conception School Education Fund, 411 Palmer Rd., Columbia IL, 62236.

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Andrea F.D. Saathoff

Andrea is a graduate of Gibault High School and the University of Missouri School of Journalism, the University of Missouri Harry S Truman School of Public Affairs and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville College of Education. She lives in Columbia with her husband and their twin toddler sons. When she isn't cheering on St. Louis Cardinals baseball or riding the emotional roller coaster of Mizzou Tigers football, she enjoys attending and participating in the many family events the county has to offer. email: andrea@republictimes.net
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