Rita Reilly Obituary

Rita Ann (Stika) Reilly, 58, of Decorah, Iowa, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, July 12, 2025, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Rita was born on September 19, 1966, in Cresco, Iowa, to Arthur and Rosemarie (Klimesh) Stika and grew up on a farm East of Protivin, Iowa. Rita was baptized and attended elementary school at Holy Trinity Church in Protivin, Iowa and graduated from South Winneshiek High School with the class of 1985 in Calmar, Iowa. Rita married Kraig Grimes, and together they had two sons, Jason and Cody. Though they later divorced, Rita remained deeply devoted to her children and family.
A nurturing and compassionate soul, Rita dedicated much of her life to caring for others. She provided loving child care from her home for many years and later worked as a paraeducator at St. Teresa of Calcutta Preschool. Her kindness, patience, and gentle spirit touched the lives of countless children and families.
On July 7, 2018, Rita married Chris Reilly, her high school sweetheart. After 28 years apart, they reunited and built a life together filled with love, laughter, and deep companionship.
Rita had a vibrant and creative soul. She loved decorating her home and painting her walls in bright, cheerful colors. She never missed a birthday or anniversary and was known for her thoughtful, meaningful gifts. Rita cherished camping trips with her close-knit camping group and had a wonderful sense of humor that brought joy to those around her. Her calm demeanor, easygoing nature, and deep love for her family made her a steady and beloved presence in many lives.
Rita will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend-patient, kind, proud of her family, and deeply loved by all who knew her.
She is survived by her husband, Chris Reilly; her sons, Jason (Bryanna) Grimes of Decorah, Iowa, and Cody (Aleya) Grimes of Waucoma, Iowa; stepdaughters, Rachel (Jake) Greenslade of Cresco, Iowa, and Hanna Reilly of Ankeny, Iowa; her cherished grandchildren, Blaire and Ryann Grimes, Levi Lanphier, Navy Grimes, Norah Greenslade, and one expected grandchild; her parents, Arthur and Rosemarie Stika; sisters, Donna (Brian) Hotvedt and Linda (Nick) Gehling; mothers-in-law, Cathy Reilly and Patricia (Jim) Sievers; and siblings-in-law, Bridget (Brian) Tancos, Carrie (Jon) Doyle, Jimmy (Laura) Sievers, Sandra (Matt) Dieter, Sara (Ryan) Adams, and Rachel (Kenny) Fleege. She is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, William and Alice Klimesh, and Joseph and Philomena Stika; her Godfather, Ron Klimesh; and her father-in-law, Robert Reilly.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for a memorial donation.
A Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 18, 2025 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Eldorado, Iowa. There will be no visitation before services at the church on Friday, attendees are asked to come in and be seated.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Eldorado, Iowa, Rev. Daryl Schultz will be officiating.
Inurnment will follow at St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery.
Celebration of life luncheon will follow at the PIVO Brewery Event Center, Calmar, Iowa.