Rita Howe

Celebration of Life service is Wednesday, March 28, 11:00 AM at the Sharon Center United Methodist Church rural Kalona.  Burial in the church cemetery.  Visitation is Tuesday 4-7 pm at the Peterseim Funeral Home, Kalona

Rita Marie (Maas) Howe, of rural Riverside, died peacefully at home Friday evening, March 23rd with family by her side.

Rita was born in rural Kalona on December 6, 1932, to Meredith and Florence (Bontrager) Maas.  She grew up on the family farm and graduated from Kalona High School in 1951.  Rita then went on to college at Iowa Wesleyan in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa and graduated with a degree in Home Economics.

Following college she worked for Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids and met Edgar R. Howe.  They were married in 1957 in Cedar Rapids.  To this marriage, three children were born.  Scott (Laurie) Howe, Sheryl (Gary Bahr) Howe and Michelle Howe.

After living on the east coast for 15 years, Rita was able to return to Iowa in 1977, to the family home where she passed away.

Rita was an active member of the Sharon Center United Methodist Church, where she was involved in the United Methodist Women, was a financial secretary and served on the Staff Parish Relations Committee.

In 1979, she began working at the Toyota dealership where she developed many long-standing relationships with co-workers and customers alike.  She retired from there in 2004.  After retirement she served as a guide at the Kalona Historical Village until August of 2011.

Rita adored her four grandchildren:  Andrew, Austin, Anne Marie and Parker.  She loved living in the country and entertaining friends from the community, particularly after someone had experienced a loss.  She will be remembered for her many acts of kindness and love.  Rita was blessed with special friends that she loved deeply throughout her life.  Other survivors include a sister in law, Donna Maas of Kalona, an aunt, Lois Swartzendruber, several nieces and nephews and cousins.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Meredith and Florence Maas Sr., her brothers Meredith Maas, Jr., and Donald Maas; many aunts, uncles and a beloved niece, Melinda Maas.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to the Sharon Center United Methodist Church.

The family is extremely grateful to the Sharon Center United Methodist Church community, neighbors, family and friends for their support during our mom's illness.  The many cards, meals and flowers will not be forgotten, as well as the choir and "glow-light" singers performing.  Thank you also to Iowa City Hospice for their care and compassion.