Rita Flora Ralston, 101, of Burlington, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, July 1, 2024, at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.
Born Dec. 1, 1922, in Burlington, she was the daughter of Roy Frank and Eunice Mildred Murphy Davison. On Nov. 22, 1945, she married Donald E. Ralston, Jr in West Palm Beach, Fla.
Rita was a registered nurse at Burlington Medical Center and The Klein Center for over 36 years.
She was a member of St. John and Paul Catholic Church, Jane A. Delano Nurses Association and the V. F. W. Auxiliary. She volunteered at Phelps House and Players Workshop. She enjoyed working on genealogy, spending time with her grandkids and enjoyed visits with Sister Kathy. She loved to bake, cook, sew and do crossword puzzles. Playing Progressive Rummy with her family was the highlight of family gatherings.
She is survived by three daughters: Angela Klemish of Phoenix, Ariz, Martha (Manke) Upton and Nanette Verrips both of Burlington. One son, Michael Ralston of Burlington. One brother, Robert (Shirley) Davison of Longmont, Colo. One sister, Ruth (Bartels) Whalen of Iowa City, A sister-in-law, Joni Davison of Dubuque, and a son-in-law Edward Stuessel of Marion. Eleven grandchildren; Steven, Kimberly “Susie”, Samantha, Alex, Danielle, Nicole, Marie, Phillip, Hannibal “Axton”, Jessica and Megan. Twenty-eight great grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by her husband, parents, an infant son, Timothy Ralston, daughter Antonette “Tonie” Stuessel; brother, Richard Davison; son-in-law, Clayton “Tate” Klemish and two grandchildren Adona Ralston and John Klemish.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.
A celebration of life will be held at Crapo Park on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at 5 p.m.
Burial will be held at Burlington Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date.
A memorial has been established.