Volume 12 , Issue 23

OBIT: Rita Fae Stuever (1924-2010)

Dale Talkington submitted this obit [from the Alva, OK, REVIEW-COURIER, Jun 3, 2010], "Rita Fae Stuever of Alva, Oklahoma died Monday, May 31, 2010, at the age of 85, after a short illness. Rita was born October 27, 1924 to Martin Fred Stuever and Tressa Kort Stuever in Blackwell, Oklahoma. She graduated from Blackwell High School in 1942. In 1946 Rita obtained her B.A. degree in English from Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison, Kansas (which is now Benedictine College).

Rita's volunteer activities focused on her strong belief in the Catholic faith and her passion for educating others. In 1950 she assisted Father Loftus with the Blackwell citywide religious census and the instruction of persons interested in the Catholic faith.

From 1950 to 1960, Rita experienced great joy through her service as a Camp Fire Leader at St. Joseph's School. Many of her students were very special to her and remained beloved life-long friends.

Rita spread knowledge of the Catholic faith working as a Catholic Extension Society volunteer from 1960 to 1963. She taught religion to children and adults in the towns of Douglas and Lusk, Wyoming, living in a cabin with other volunteer friends and traveling between the two towns to teach.

Rita returned to Oklahoma in 1963 and, for the next two years, worked in the towns of Anadarko and Ardmore. She visited parishioners and instructed migrant families on the Red River. She also taught 4th grade and special reading classes at St. Mary's School in Ardmore.

After finishing her term as an Extension Volunteer, Rita enrolled at Oklahoma State University receiving the position of Graduate Assistant, thereafter earning a Masters Degree in Elementary Education. Continuing her education, she was awarded the NDEA Fellowship for Doctor of Education studies.

Rita enjoyed proving out the educational concepts learned in her studies, often gathering data from the Schiltz and Watts children. In August 1969, Rita graduated from Oklahoma State University with a Doctorate Degree in Education with an emphasis in the teaching of reading.

Rita began teaching in the Education Department at Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, Oklahoma. In December 1987, after 18 years of service, Rita retired as Professor Emeritus. She was a member of the OSU Alumni Association and OSU Posse Club. She was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, Oklahoma Teachers Association, International Reading Association, Oklahoma Reading Association, Little Sahara Reading Council, and the Woods County Retired Educators.

Rita was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Alva, formerly serving as Altar Society President. Rita was an avid OSU football fan. Rita and Marge faithfully traveled from Alva to OSU football games for over 35 years.

Rita was a great lover of animals and nature. Her hobbies included stamp collecting, fishing, and reading. She loved to travel, visiting many of the states, Europe and South America. She was preceded in death by her parents Martin and Tressa Stuever; her nine-year-old sister LouAnn; one niece, LouAnn Schiltz Ogden; and treasured friend Ray Gessel.

Rita is survived by one sister Donna Schiltz and husband Ray of Ponca City, Life-long friends include: Margery Berends of Alva, and Bernice (Niece) Gessel of Blackwell, and her children Steve, Alan and Terri, nieces, nephews and their families include: Gregory, Wendell and Donna Ogden of Dallas, Texas; Raymond N. Schiltz and Debra Yeary, Ponca City, Ashley and Jacob Haken, Glencoe, Susan White and husband John and their children Tressa, Megan and Brian of Sand Springs, Paul Schiltz of Ponca City, Dennis Schiltz and wife Rene, and their children Makenna, Brennan and Magdalen of Cypress, Texas, Cecilia Tarrant and husband Mark and their children Katherine, Kort, Corbin and Chandler of Tonkawa, Anita Simpson and husband Eric and their children Weslee, Reece and Owen of Tonkawa.

Rita's life was blessed with many beloved cousins, relatives and friends. Pallbearers include: Raymond Schiltz, Paul Schiltz, Dennis Schiltz, John White, Mark Tarrant, Eric Simpson, Wendell Ogden, Gregory Ogden, Brian White, Reece Simpson, Owen Simpson, Kort Davis, and Brennan Schiltz. Honorary Pallbearers include: Bernice Gessel, Sue Barthel, Barbara Rutherford, Frances Schiltz, Eleanor Dockers, and Jane Johnston (deceased).

Visitation hours was held Thursday and Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. at Roberts and Son Funeral Home located at 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma. Wake services was held Friday June 4, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Blackwell, Rev. Larok Obwana Martin, officiating. Mass of Christian Burial was be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 5, 2010 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Blackwell, Oklahoma, Rev. Marvin Leven, officiating."   |  View or Add Comments (0 Comments)   |   Receive updates ( subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

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