Rita A. Marty, age 66 of Darlington, passed away Sunday, Feb. 25, 2018 at Lafayette Manor in Darlington. She was born Dec. 31, 1951, in Darlington, the daughter of Hans and Lorena (Schmitz) Geissbuhler. She graduated from Darlington High School in 1970 and later received her Associates Degree from Southwest Technical College in Fennimore, in 1972. Rita was united in marriage to Thomas Marty on May 11, 1974 and moved to St. Louis, Mo. before settling in his hometown of Monroe.
Rita is survived by her daughter: Angelina Marty of San Francisco, Calif.; two sisters: Karen Rickard of Hudson, and Deb (Denny) Larson of South Wayne; and one brother: Fred Geissbuhler of Mineral Point. She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother: John Geissbuhler; and one brother-in-law: Jim Rickard.
Rita was an avid volunteer, dedicated to raising awareness for Habitat for Humanity and the St. Vincent de Paul Society for over 20 years. She will be remembered for the stories she could create, the jokes she loved to play, and the lessons she taught to her family through a life of service and dedication to her friends and family. She was a loving and deeply caring mother that anyone might wish for – she fostered several special needs children and was always present, never selfish, and could turn any bland day into a big story with just her presence. Through her special life of needs, she will be remembered for the joy and the unique lessons she taught each of us every day.
A Time of Family Remembrance will be held Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 11:45 a.m. followed by a Memorial Mass at 12:00 p.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church (104 E. Harriet Street, Darlington) with Rev. Joji Reddy officiating. Burial will be in Holy Rosary Cemetery in Darlington. A visitation will be held Saturday, March 3, 2018 from 10:30 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. The Steil-Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Rita’s name.
The family asks that you wear a bright color as you join us throughout the day. Rita enjoyed bright colors, especially favoring bright reds, blues, pinks, and purples.