Rita Mae Phenicie, 81, of Burlington, died Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024, at the home of her daughter and son-in-law in Oquawka, Ill.
Born in Monmouth Hospital in Monmouth, Ill., on Feb. 16, 1943, she was the daughter of Harry D. and Martha Marie Bird.
Rita was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, White Shrine, D.A.R.-Stars and Stripes Chapter #5072-IA, and Questers. She had sold AVON since 1978 and won several Mrs. Albee statues and figurines for sales and was in the President’s Club and Honor Society with AVON district 243 for years.
She was a lifetime member of Weight Watchers since the 70’s when she reached her goal. She was a Past Worthy Matron of OES and held office in D.A.R. for several years and Regent for eleven years. She worked election boards for several years also.
She married Floyd J. Phenicie on Aug. 31, 1979. He passed Feb. 11, 2023. She and Floyd were very active in First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and served on diaconate for several years. They had 23 blessed years together and enjoyed traveling with White Shrine and Eastern Star.
She is survived by her daughter Julie (Robert) Jarvis; stepsons, Dean Phenicie and Ronald Phenicie; two very special step grandchildren; sister Emma Jean Kinnamon; brother Robert E. Bird Sr.; nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews; one grand dog; seven grand cats and numerous grand chickens. She LOVED all critters.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Martha Bird, husband Floyd and baby brother Billy Bird.
A public Eastern Star service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, September 7 at Lunning Chapel. Visitation with family will follow until 3 p.m. The funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. with Pastor Anika McVay officiating. Burial will be in Canders Cemetery, Seaton, Illinois, near Keithsburg, Ill.
Memorials have been established for First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and to D.A.R. – Stars and Stripes Chapter - #5072-IA.