"Rita and I were High School friends and remained friends all through the years. She and I had many adventures during our school years. I introduced Rita and Harold and just knew they were made for each other. I was proved right on that. Jo (Taylor) Blake."
In loving memory of
Rita Pickinpaugh
December 25, 1932 - July 11, 2020
Rita M. Pickinpaugh, age 87,of Quincy, died at 12:48 p.m. on July 11, 2020 at Blessing Hospital.
She was born December 25, 1932, in Brown County, Illinois, a daughter of Merle and Laura McCoy Ward. On December 21, 1956 she married Harold L. Pickinpaugh in Pekin, Illinois. He survives.
Mrs. Pickinpaugh was a 1950 graduate of Mt. Sterling High School and a 1954 graduate of Western Illinois University. She earned a master's degree from Western Illinois University in 1984. She taught mathematics at Bartonville Limestone High School, Pekin High School, Central High near Camp Point and Quincy High School.
Mrs. Pickinpaugh was a member of Vermont Street United Methodist Church where she served in many capacities. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Teachers society, Illinois Teachers of Mathematics, Illinois Retired Teachers and a Life Member of the PTA. She served as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, and she was a former member of the Chaddock School Board.
Survivors in addition to her husband include their daughter, Sherri L. Short and her husband Michael of Springfield, a grandson, Alexander (Alec) Short of Springfield; one sister Doris A. Howell of Quincy, and several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Pickinpaugh was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Wilma J. Behymer and her husband Lee Roy, and a brother-in-law, John Howell.
Private services will be held at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home with the Rev. Patty Johansen officiating.
Burial: Evergreen Cemetery, Camp Point, Illinois
Memorials: the Quincy Public Schools Foundation or Vermont Street United Methodist Church
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.
Tributes
"Harold, I am so saddened to learn of Shirley?s passing. You were both good friends. My deepest sympathy to you, Sherrie and all your family ??"
"So very sorry to hear of Rita's passing. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Peggy Wellman, Greg, Mark and Debbie "
"Just days after my dear mother died in November 2010 I attended a Thanksgiving gathering where Rita was there. I was still recovering from the loss. Rita was wonderful that day, so kind and maternal and caring. We all enjoyed a hearty meal together and great fellowship in the Lord. I would spend time with Rita, also, at her grandson Alec's sports events--especially basketball games. While Rita's vision issues prevented her from seeing some of the sports action fully, she still got caught-up in the fun and followed the action as best she could with great joy and enthusiasm. She was a classy refined lady and had a lot of grit and courage and was always a joy to be with. My condolences to the family with this loss, Heaven's gain."
"Rita was a great neighbor when we were kids. She and her sisters helped catch our runaway pony on more than one occasion. Nancy, Sue, Martha and I have good memories of growing up across Wild Cat Road from the three Ward kids. Don Fry"
"Mrs. Pickinpaugh was the best math teacher I had a QHS, sweet, kind and helpful, so sorry for your loss."
"I had Mrs. Pickinpaugh for a teacher at QHS. What a wonderful teacher. I haven?t seen her in years but she made a difference in my life. "
"Mrs. Pickinpaugh was the best math teacher, possibly the best teacher of any subject I had. She inspired me to become a geometry teacher when I was in her class back in1962."
"I had Mrs. Pickinpaugh many times as a substitute teacher. She did her job well and I was always glad to see her. She was always so kind! A lovely lady!"
"So sorry to hear this Mr. Harold. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I truly enjoyed coming to your home and listening to all the stories you and Ms. Rita has to tell. Very pleasant times that I will alway ms rememyand hold dear. "
"I subbed for her for many years and kept in touch after we moved away. She will be missed! Chris Frey"
"Rita always had the best homemade holiday cookies. It was always a treat to visit at Christmas, or other special time, because her sugar coated butter cookies were the best! "
"Rita was outstanding in an outstanding group of math teachers in Quincy Public Schools. She leave a great legacy in education. I send my sincere condolences and God?s Blessings to the familyfamily"