Rita Marie Schafer (80) of Newton

Rita Marie Schafer, age 80, of Newton, Illinois, passed away at 3:48 AM Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at her home.    

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Saturday, March 25, 2023, at St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Newton, Illinois, with Fr. Dean Probst, celebrating mass. Burial will be in the Mt Calvary Cemetery in Newton, Illinois. Visitation will be held 5:00 – 7:00 PM Friday, March 24, 2023, at the church. In loving memory of Rita, memorials may be made to the St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois. The obituary can be viewed, and condolences left by clicking here.

Rita was born on February 13, 1943, in Olney, Illinois, the daughter of Ephraim and Helen (Kocher) Rennier.  She married David Schafer on February 13, 1962, at St Joseph Catholic Church in Stringtown, Illinois. Rita was a daycare provider for several children over the years and loved them as her own. She had worked at E.R. Moore Cap and Gown Factory for a few years. Rita was a member of the St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Newton, Illinois. She enjoyed dancing, crocheting, sewing, and playing the accordion. Rita loved to spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren and was a wonderful cook.

Rita is survived by: Husband of 61 years – David Schafer of Newton, Illinois; Children – Cathy (Robert) Brachear of Ashmore, Illinois; Ronnie Schafer (Bambi Hall) of Newton, Illinois; Brenda (Shane) Housh of Plainfield, Illinois; and Gary (Jen) Schafer of Northbrook, Illinois; Grandchildren – Andy (Victoria) Brachear, Kerri (Matthew) Murphy, Amanda (Danny) Cast, Joshua Schafer (fiancée Jade Brown), Brooke Schafer, Zachary Schafer, Kyra Schafer, Quinndolyn Schafer, and Madeline Schafer; Great Grandchildren - Evelyn Murphy and Grandson Murphy due in May; Siblings – Dolores Hemrich of Olney, Illinois; Mary (Herman) Volk of Claremont, Illinois; Robert Rennier of Olney, Illinois; and Melvin (Donna) Rennier of Claremont, Illinois; Sister-in-law – Donna Rennier of Olney, Illinois.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, siblings Richard Rennier, Charlene Schwager, Kenneth Rennier, James Rennier, and Joanne Bahl.