In loving memory of

Rita L. Fox
March 9, 1933 - October 23, 2007

RITA FOX MUSCATINE, Iowa - Rita L. Fox, 74, of Muscatine, died Tuesday, October 23, 2007, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, October 26, 2007, at the St. Mathias Church, 215 W. Eighth Street. The Reverend Jason Crossen of the Ss. Mary and Mathias Parish will officiate the service. Casket bearers will be Bob Paxton, Joe Fox, Jacob Fox, Matthew Fox III, Aaron Fox, and Andrew Fox. A funeral luncheon will be held at Gannon Hall following the mass. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, October 25, 2007, at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home with a Rosary Prayer Service at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to American Heart Association. Rita was born on March 9, 1933, in Iowa City, the daughter of Roy and Margaret Kapfer Neitge. She married Matt J. Fox Jr. on February 23, 1952, in Muscatine, at the St. Mathias Church. She was president and owner of the construction business, Muscatine Bridge Company. She was a member of the St. Mathias Church. Rita was energetic and full of life. She had a great passion for sewing and gardening. She was an avid reader and enjoyed decorating. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Survivors include her husband, Matt J. Fox Jr. of Muscatine; four sons, Steve Fox and wife, Mary Jane, of Muscatine, Richard Fox of Wilton, Jim Fox and wife, Peggy, of Wilton, and Patrick Fox of Muscatine; two daughters, Jennifer Fox and husband, Jim Delveau, of Des Moines, and Jane Fox and husband, Rick Hammond, of Edina, Minnesota; 13 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; one sister, Jill Phillips of Coralville; and one brother-in-law, John Fox of Muscatine. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Tributes

Bonnee Cassedy wrote on Nov 2, 2007:

"Dear Matt and Family, My deepest sympathy to you all. Rita was such a special person, she touched everyone who was lucky enough to know her. I have the fondest memories of our time together, she was both my mentor and my friend. Rita helped to change the course of my life with her kindness and sense of purpose and direction and I have never forgotten. I carry some of her with me today and always. Take care and God bless and comfort you all. "

Joseph Demeter wrote on Oct 31, 2007:

"Belated condolences as word just got out. Was shocked to hear of Rita's passing. My sympathy goes out to you."

Frank Neff wrote on Oct 31, 2007:

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Mark Opheim wrote on Oct 28, 2007:

"My deepest condolenses to Matt and family. Rita was a great person to work with and I have nothing but fond memories of my time spent working with all of you. She always took the time to make everyone feel that they were important and treated everyone with respect and dignity."

Walt and Jan Hanssen wrote on Oct 26, 2007:

"We value the opportunity to have know Rita. She will be remember by us with fondness. We hope Rita's family will find peace. Walt and Jan Hanssen"

Judie Kapfer Behrens wrote on Oct 26, 2007:

"I wish to offer my condolence to all the family of Rita. I am a first cousin of Rita's and remember the fun loving person she was when we had the occasion to be together even though she was a little older than myself. I know she will be missed by all."

Kerri Jackson-Swiniuch wrote on Oct 25, 2007:

"I am so very sorry to hear about Rita. When she showed up at my moms funeral in January she was exactly what I needed. I remember your mom with the warmest of memories. Now I picture Rita and my mom sitting on a porch talking just like when they where here. Take care a God Bless. Kerri and Family"

Kathy (Koenigsaecker) Kasson wrote on Oct 25, 2007:

"Jim and family, Sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Kathy"

Teri Dotson wrote on Oct 25, 2007:

"Jim, Peggy and Family- Please know you all are in our prayers. Rita was a wonderful person, and she will be missed. Fondly~ Teri and Jim Dotson"

Michelle Hartman wrote on Oct 25, 2007:

"I am so sorry to hear about your loss! I enjoyed visiting with Rita on the phone thru work. Very pleasant lady to work with!She will be missed by all who knew her! Michelle Hartman Admin. Assistant Northern Pipe"

Doug Rick wrote on Oct 25, 2007:

"Dear Steve, Dick and Family; I am so sorry for your loss. I have good memories of working with Rita and the Muscatine Bridge Company during my years with the Iowa Department of Transportation. I have always admired her professionalism. She will be missed. Doug Rick Area Engineer, Iowa DOT"

Laurie Rosendahl wrote on Oct 25, 2007:

"Dear Jennifer and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I see a strong likeness between you and your mom's picture. It sounds like she had a fantastic life and family. There is never a good time to lose someone you love. I hope you find comfort in happy memories and knowing that you will see Rita again one day. God bless you all."

Beth Kuebler-Weikert wrote on Oct 25, 2007:

"Jane & Pat, Sorry to hear about your great loss. My heart goes out to you both. Your mother always had a great smile. She was always so friendly. My thoughts & prayers are with you!! God Bless....Beth"

Mary & Lee Hitchcock wrote on Oct 25, 2007:

"Jane, May the memmories of your Mom give you and your family comfort now and always. God Bless you all. Mary & Lee Hitchcock"

Jon 'JR' Ewing wrote on Oct 25, 2007:

"Jennifer, I'd like to offer my deepest sympathy to you and your family. I wished that I could say I didn't know how it felt to lose your mother, but unfortunately I do. God has called her back and her home-going should be celebrated. She raised six children, who if all are as caring, considerate and hard working as you, have good reason to be celebrated. You're in my thoughts and prayers and God bless and keep each and everyone of you."

Len A. Hill, Sr. wrote on Oct 25, 2007:

"Dear Matt and Family: I'm truly sorry to hear of your loss. I can honestly say I enjoyed working with Rita over the years as an employee with Iowa DOT Office of Contracts. Rita was a special person, and a dear friend of mine. Take care and God Bless. Len Hill, Sr. & Family"

John Ralph wrote on Oct 25, 2007:

"Wish we could be there to lean on if needed. You're in our thoughts and prayers."

Ted and Lisa Lockard wrote on Oct 25, 2007:

"Dear Jennifer and Family, We are sorry we are not able to be with you in person at this time. Our thoughts are with you and your family."

Jay & Patty Chelf wrote on Oct 24, 2007:

"We have known Rita for quite a few years and it just doesn't seem possible that we will be going down to the office and Rita won't be there. She was quite a character. She made you laugh with her stories and talked about her gardening. What flowers she had and we would walk around the yard.She will be missed. Our deepest condolences to the family."

Joyce Cole wrote on Oct 24, 2007:

"It has been our pleasure to know Rita through the years. We had some enjoyable and fun phone conversations. You have our sympathy. Joyce & Virgil Cole Cole Construction"