Rita Marie Miller, 93, of Burlington, died at 12:35 am Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at the New London Nursing and Rehab in New London.
Born November 11, 1928, in Burlington, she was the daughter of William and Genevieve Kramer Watznauer. On January 30, 1946, she married Clarence "Babe" Gerald Miller in Fort Madison. He died on January 3, 1994.
She did many jobs throughout her life, working at BB's Greenhouse, tending to a fruit farm and a dairy farm, and Spring Sand and Gravel.
She was of the Catholic faith. She was very strong, both physically and strong-willed. She loved cardinals, gardening, and hanging baskets of flowers. She was a great cook and baked almost every day. For the grandkids, she made cinnamon rolls every Saturday, and homemade ice cream every Sunday. She loved to host, and would regularly throw Tupperware parties, although even when she had guests, she could still be found helping Babe out in the field. She enjoyed square dancing, shopping, puzzles, and playing bingo. She kept a very clean house and was a dedicated homemaker. She loved her family and grandkids, and was always very generous, with big gift boxes at Christmas time, and always being there to help when they needed her. She was a kind soul, and never said a bad word about anyone.
Survivors include four daughters, Shirley Pratt of Burlington, Marilyn (Kendall) Burns of Vernon, Ariz., Patricia Jones of Burlington, and Gena Fritz of Denmark, Ia.; five grandchildren, Guy (Dawn) Pratt II of Mediapolis, Ia., Derek (Alison) Jones of Burlington, Danielle (Nick) Schmitz of Mediapolis, Ia., Jena Fritz of Burlington, and Rachel Fritz of Des Moines, Ia.; six great-grandchildren, Samantha Pratt and Guy Pratt III, Matthew and Abigail Jones, and Tyler and Ava Schmitz; one brother, Floyd (Delores) Watznauer of Fort Madison, Ia.; one sister, Vera (Dick) Boeding of West Point, Ia.; and several dozen nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by three sons-in-law, and ten brothers and sisters.
Visitation will be from 11:30 to 1:00 p.m. with the family to receive friends following an 11:30 a.m. Rosary Service on Saturday, July 23, at Divine Mercy Parish-St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.
The Funeral Mass of the Resurrection for Rita will be 1 p.m. Saturday, July 23, at Divine Mercy Parish-St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with Very Rev. Father Marty Goetz as the Celebrant. Burial will be in South Walker Cemetery following the service.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.
Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements