Rita Ann Dial (87) of Effingham

Rita Ann Dial, 87, of Effingham, IL, passed away on Thursday, December 7, 2023, surrounded by family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham with burial in St. Anthony Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham, beginning with a rosary at 9:00 a.m. Memorials may be made to St. Anthony Schools Scholarships. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here.

Rita was born on August 23, 1936, in St. Elmo, IL, the daughter of Earl J. and Florence (Wegman) Niemeyer. She married James Dial on February 23, 1957, at St. Mary’s Church in St. Elmo. Rita was a selfless woman with a giving heart. Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and family were especially important to her. Rita found joy in taking care of them and others. She was known for her cooking, her apple pie, and being the family seamstress. Rita worked outside the home as a bookkeeper for various local businesses. She also enjoyed playing cards and dominos. Rita was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, making her a wonderful role model for her family.

Rita is survived by husband of 66 years, Jim Dial of Effingham; son, Tom (Cottie) Dial of Effingham; daughter, Linda (Michael) Pratt of Charlestown, IN; grandchildren, Sarah (Jeremiah) Koeberlein, Nicki (Brad) Nuxoll, Andrew (Laren) Dial, Brandon (fiancée, Angel Bruecker) Dial, Gregory (Jackie) Pratt, and Rebecca Pratt; 10 great-grandchildren; and brothers, Floyd Niemeyer and Albert (Jan) Niemeyer.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Theresa Ann Myers; son-in-law, Douglas Myers; infant grandson, Arthur James Pratt; and infant great-granddaughter, Lillian Marie Dial.