Rita Ann Reuter Mc-Namara born November 12, 1932 and a lifetime resident of Hastings, MN, passed peacefully into heaven on March 7, 2021 surrounded by her family while vacationing in Mazatlán, Mexico, with her beloved husband Larry who was at her side for seventy years.
Rita, a 1950 graduate of Hastings High School, is survived by husband Lawrence “Larry” McNamara and seven children: Victoria (George Acker) Brenna of Turtle Lake, WI; Denny (Lynne) McNamara of Hastings, MN; Kevin (Dianna) McNamara of Lanai, HI; John (Elia) Mc-Namara of Hastings, MN; Jamie (Suzi) McNamara of Hastings, MN; Cathy (Tim Sieh) Keller of Hastings, MN; Jan (Mike) Rygh of Cypress, TX; and twenty- four grandchildren and twenty great grandchildren.
This tireless mother, devoted grandmother, and beloved great-grandmother was preceded in death by her parents Anna (Rohr) and Nicholas Reuter, her nine sisters: Dorothy (Melvin) Cicero, Genevieve (Hurbert “Red”) Helmer, Lorraine (Joseph) O’Brien, Mildred (Paul) Nelson, Monica (John “Jack”) Munro, Marion (Anthony) Cicero, Frances “Fran” (Marcel “Marc”) Tobias, Geraldine “Geri” (Donald) Lange, Elizabeth “Libby” (Earl) Welshons, and one brother: Paul (Betty) Reuter.
While raising her children, Rita volunteered at Guardian Angels School as a physical education instructor and helped with physically challenged individuals and senior citizens. After taking classes at the University of MN, she worked as an Interior Designer and Decorator. Later, Rita was a real estate agent for Schumacher Keller, Caldwell Banker, and Edina Realty. At the same time, she was known for her extensive, beautiful gardens on Southview Drive that she shared with the community for graduation, prom, and senior photos for hundreds who used Rita and Larry’s yards and gardens as a backdrop for their photos. Rita often sent a bouquet of flowers home for the parents of the celebrants.
Remembered for her dry humor, candid remarks, independent spirit, and generous nature, Rita Ann will be sadly missed by her family and friends. May everyone live a life as full of character and rich with generosity as she did.
Memorial gifts may be sent to Hastings Family Service. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Church and Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel is serving the family. A celebration of life will be held later this year.
