Rita Josephine Deters

Rita Josephine Deters, 94, of Champaign, was called home to eternal peace at 4:46 p.m. Friday (Sept 14, 2018) at Meadowbrook Renewal Therapy Center, Urbana.  She was surrounded by her family. 

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday Oct 4, 2018 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 405 W Clark St., Champaign.  Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., The Rosary at 4:30 p.m. at Holy Cross Parish Center on Wednesday Oct 3, 2018.  Entombment will be conducted Mt. Hope Mausoleum, Champaign following the Funeral Mass.

Rita was born April 1, 1924 in Taylorville, IL.  The daughter of the late Thomas and Gertrude Anderson.  She married the love of her life Francis J. “Bud” Deters on January 27, 1951 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Trowbridge, IL.  

She was preceded in death by: her husband, her parents, two brothers and two sisters.  She is survived by her brother Francis “Sam” Anderson of Jerseyville, children Patrick (April) Deters of Mahomet, Nancy (Robert) Meyer of Tolono, William (Ruth) Deters of Champaign, Brian (Donise) Deters of Champaign. Grandchildren: Abigail (Travis) Rust, Grant Deters, Andrew (Emma) Meyer, Michelle Meyer, Jessica (Brandon) Shissler, Brian (Andi) Deters, Emily (Quinton) Troy, Julia Deters, Carly (Karl) Compton, Kristopher (Rachel Vinsel) Deters.  In addition she is survived by seven great-grandchildren.

Rita graduated Neoga Township High School and attended Eastern Illinois University.  She began her professional career teaching in a one-room country schoolhouse in Shelby County for five years.  She retired from the University of Illinois Department of Administration and Records.

Rita was devotedly involved in Holy Cross Catholic Church and choir as well as Women’s Cursillo.  She enjoyed to travel, dance and spread the Faith.  Many who knew her would recall her selflessness and magnetic personality.  In the last year of her life she was lovingly assisted and cared for by her grandson Andrew and his wife Emma in her home. 

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