Rita Marie Willhoite

Rita Marie (Hill) Willhoite, age 80, passed away in her home on November 23, 2018 with her loving husband by her side.

Funeral services are 10:30 a.m., Thursday, November 29, 2018 at the United Methodist Church in Dayton with Pastor Kay. Christie officiating. Burial will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, rural Boone, at 1:30 p.m. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 28, from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m., at Carson ~ Stapp Funeral Home in Dayton. www.carsonstappfuneralhome.com

Rita was born February 6, 1938 in Fort Dodge, Iowa to Clarence (C.B.) Hill and Laura (Lillian) Northrup Hill. She was the youngest of ten children—five boys and five girls. Rita graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High in 1956. She was united in marriage to Chester Willhoite on December 7, 1963. The couple originally made their home in Coalville, then moved to Otho and finally in 1975 to their current homestead at the acreage north of Lehigh.

Rita is survived by her husband, Chester, and her children Diane (Daymon) Peterson of Burnside, Iowa, son David (Jennifer) Willhoite of Evanston, Iowa; grandchildren, Mason Peterson, Sophia Willhoite and Elsie Willhoite; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and faithful dog, J. R. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers and sisters.

Before her marriage Rita owned Brooks Drive In grocery store in Fort Dodge. After the children were older she worked at McGregor Furniture and the Salvation Army. Rita worked for 25 years as a switchboard operator at Friendship Haven in Fort Dodge, Iowa where she made many friends with her quick wit and spunky attitude. Always a smile on her face, Rita enjoyed life and meeting people. Rita enjoyed listening to music and especially watching Molly B, Country Reunion and Larry’s Country Diner programs on t.v. with her husband.

The family would like to thank the wonderful and caring staff of the McFarland Clinic Hospice team for their excellent care of Rita.