Rita Elizabeth Meador, 78, of Wellsville passed away at 12:17 a.m. Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at King’s Daughters Home.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Sept. 11 at the Church of the Resurrection in Wellsville. Burial will immediately follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. on Sept. 10 at Myers Funeral Home in Wellsville.
Rita was born on October 15, 1945 at her home in Mexico (Audrain County) to Charles and Loretta (Nolte) Niekamp. On November 14, 1964, she married Charles Meador at St. Brendan Catholic Church and they shared 58 wonderful years together.
Rita was a graduate of Mexico High School in 1963. She remained in contact with many of her classmates over the years.
Rita was a lifelong member of Resurrection Catholic Church, where she taught P.S.R. classes and Bible school. She was on the parish council and C.W.O.
Rita loved working with children and worked at Jesus Little Lambs in Wellsville for 28 years. She was active in the community and was a member of many organizations and often held leadership roles. She grew many friendships over the years. Friends would often find her making something on the dining room table or watering her beautiful flowers. She liked sewing, crafting, bowling, decorating, gardening, canning and spending time with her family and friends.
Rita is survived by daughter, Tammy Meador (Gary) of Columbia, son Donnie (Lee Ann) Meador of Laddonia and daughter, Teresa (Danny) Wortmann of Wardsville; eight grandchildren, Andrea (Kyle) Wiechens of Columbia, Melissa (Matt) Trierweiler of Kansas City, Kan., Zane Meador, Ean Meador (Taylor), Maggie Meador (Gage), all of Laddonia, Kristi Wortmann (Bailey) of Columbia, Alex Wortmann of Peoria, Ill. and Jared Wortmann of Wardsville; one great-granddaughter, Adalynn Meador; sisters, Ruthie (Lyndal) Barker and Brenda Fike, both of Mexico; and several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sisters Elaine Durham, Genrose Baclesse, and Patty Niekamp; and brothers Eugene Niekamp, Gerald Niekamp, Charles Niekamp Jr. and Marvin Niekamp.
Memorials may be made to Wellsville Public Library or The King’s Daughters Home in Mexico. They may be sent in care of Myers Funeral Home, 203 E. Bates Street, Wellsville, MO 63384.
