"Dear Aunt Rita, I will miss your home made noodles, your contagious smile and your persevering spirit. I'm sorry I couldn't be there in your last days. But I know you're already watching over us all. Love you. ~Kirsten"
In loving memory of
Rita Estelle Phelps
February 8, 1935 - April 9, 2010
RITA PHELPS MUSCATINE, Iowa - Rita Estelle Phelps, 75, of Muscatine, died Saturday, April 9, 2010, at home. Graveside Service will be 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 14, 2010, at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society in Rita's honor. The Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Rita was born on February 8, 1935, in Nichols, the daughter of George A. and Alice Bekker Stych. She married Donald G. Phelps on November 13, 1952 in Muscatine. He preceded her in death. She was a graduate of the University of Iowa and the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. She was a retired dental hygienist and had worked at Bellvue Hospital. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, bird watching, watching the Iowa Hawkeys and the Chicago Cubs. Those left to honor her memory include five sons, David Phelps and wife, Michelle, of Muscatine, Donald Phelps of Muscatine, Douglas Phelps and Colleen Riley of Muscatine, Daniel Phelps of Sacramento, and Tom Phelps and wife, Judy, of Quincy, Illinois; three daughters, Linda Parks of Des Moines, Angela Babb and husband, Kevin, of Des Moines, and Kathy Fear of Muscatine; 19 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; five brothers, Paul Stych and wife, Ellen, of Muscatine, Maynard Stych and wife, Joyce, of Muscatine, Keith Stych and wife, Nancy, of Muscatine, Ronald Stych and wife, Margaret, of Muscatine, and Kenneth Stych and wife, Kim, of Muscatine; and four sisters, Jeanette Phillips and husband, Allen, of Muscatine, Donna Conisbee and husband, Syd, of Lewisville, North Carolina, Rosemary Hollatz and husband, Jim, of Muscatine, and Nancy Young and husband, Tom, of Muscatine. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and two brothers, George Stych and Wayne Stych.
Tributes
"Doug and Family, Very sorry to hear about your mother passing, I know she has been battling way too long with her illness, she now will finally be done with all that and rest in peace. My sympathy goes out to your Family. Sincerely, Rick Sather"
"Linda, Cathy and all the siblings, My deepest sympathy to the loss of your mother. Linda, I am grateful you were abel to be with her. It's been years since I've been to your house but I remember your mother fondly. Linda and I went to the dental school to have our teeth cleaned. It's a blessing you all have each other. Sincerely, Cheryl Petersen"
"Dear Nancy & Tom, Our thoughts and prayer are with you at this time. We're thinking of you. Love, Sherry and Mike"
"Dear Ron and Margaret, So sorry about your loss. Our sympathy to you and your family. Sherry and Mike"
"Dave, Michelle and family... So sorry to hear about your Mom and Grandma. You took such good care of her and now she is watching over you. Take care, I will be thinking about you. Much love, Tammy"
"My heart is with the entire family.. Aunt Rita was one of the most selfless and kind people I've ever met. She is loved by so many.. Thank you for sharing your last moments with her with me. All my love, Lindsey"
"To the Phelps family, we are saddened by the loss of Rita. Our thoughts are with you."
"Donny, Kate, and Family, I am sorry to hear about your loss and my thoughts and prayers will be with you."
"My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. Rita and I worked together many years ago and she was a beautiful, beautiful person."
"Tom- Sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. I'll never forget all the times being over at the house with your mom playing cards. Some great memories of our teenage years. She was fun to be around. My deepest condolences go out to you and your entire family."
"Rita was our hygenist for several years while we lived in Muscatine. She was always pleasant and was always asking if I chewed gum because I had so many fillings. Ha! Yes, I did. Sorry for your loss. Sympathy to her family. Marsha Pressler"
"To the entire Phelps clan, I am sorry to be away and unable to comfort you at this time of loss. Rita was a very special person who will be remembered for the delicious meals she prepared and the lovely gardens she tended with such care. You are all in my thoughts and prayers from half a world away."
"To the Phelps family-I am very sorry to hear about Rita. She was the coolest person when Angie and I were kids-I will never forget our stay at 7 Ponds. Rita is part of my most wonderful memories. God Bless."
"Dan and family sorry to hear the loss of your dear sweet mom. She was a neat lady. Our prayers are with you and your family."
"To the Phelps family So sorry to hear of your loss. You have our deepest sympathy"