Rita Ward Obituary

Rita Frances Ward was born March 6, 1952 in St. Louis, MO. She was the daughter of Rudy and Frances (nee Motta) Gassner. She died on October 6, 2024 at St. Mary's Hospital in St. Louis, MO at the age of 72 years. She is survived by her husband, James F. Ward, Dittmer, MO; two sons, Joe Leber, Dittmer, MO and Greg Leber, St. Louis, MO; grandchildren, Maddison (Kyle), Tony (Kyleigh), Jane (Jordon), and Nicholas; great-grandchildren, Jaden; Jeno and one on the way; one sister, Tina Pinnell, St. Louis, MO; one brother, Tom (the late Kathy) Gassner, St. Clair, MO. She is preceded in death by her parents. Rita worked as a cashier for Schnucks. She was a member of United Food & Commercial Workers #655; and of St. Rose of Lima Church, De Soto, MO. As an expression of sympathy memorials may be made to Defenders of the Unborn, 13610 Barrett Office Dr, #203 Ballwin, MO 63021.

Gathering: Tuesday, October 15, 2024 from 5-8 PM at Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home

Funeral Mass: Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 10:30 AM at St. Rose of Lima Church, De Soto, MO

After Mass, internment at Jefferson Barracks, with a gathering after, location TBD.

Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home

220 N. Main St.

De Soto, MO 63020

St. Rose of Lima Church

Address: 504 South 3rd St. De Soto MO, 63020