Rita Elizabeth Riley

It is with heavy hearts we announce our wonderful mother, Rita Riley hung up her cell phone for the last time on Wednesday, May 30th and joined our father, William H. Riley and her precious granddaughter Sarah, in heaven.

Rita was born in Appleton, WI, on January 27th, 1923, to Charles and Elizabeth (Merkes) Captain.

On June 13th, 1946, Rita married William (Bill) H. Riley and a real love story began. They had three wonderful children and a very happy life raising their children with love and respect. William preceded Rita in death on April 10th, 1996, just short of 50 years of wedded bliss. Bill and Rita enjoyed golfing and bowling together with many great friends. They enjoyed their golfing trips to Biloxi, MS, every winter.

Rita worked at Simple Simon Bakery until her early 80’s and formed a circle of wonderful friends there.

Rita enjoyed her yearly winter trips to visit her daughter Beth in Ormond Beach, FL. In 2012, Rita moved in with Beth and husband Jim and enjoyed her last six years being spoiled by them. She returned to Appleton for visits with family and friends in the summer.

Rita loved to shop and never bought anything for herself, but instead she enjoyed indulging her children and grandchildren with surprise gifts. It meant the world to her to make others happy. Rita was a real firecracker and was on the go all the time. She would go anywhere anyone would take her, especially out to dinner or shopping. She never missed a family party. Rita made and treasured friendships that she kept for life. Rita had a dry sense of humor with a sharp mind and made people laugh without trying.

Rita was a very dedicated Catholic with a strong faith in God. She had a prayer for one and all.

Survivors are her children: Beth (Jim) Ziebarth, Mike (Cate) Riley and Pat (Harry) Berg. Grandchildren: Cathy (Jason) Rogers, Melissa (Cuin) Riley-Morales, JR (Amanda) Riley, Ryan (Kim) Berg, and Katie Berg. Great grandchildren include Sydney and Jordan Rogers, Alena Morales, William (Will) and Eleanor Su Riley.

Rita was also preceded in death by her sister Leone Haase and brothers Chuck and Jerry Captain.

Family will greet relatives and friends on July 7th, 2018, at St. Pius Church, 500 W. Marquette St. Appleton, WI, from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., with mass to follow. Entombment will take place at Shrine of Heaven Cemetery in Neenah. The Wichmann Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Mom, we miss you and you will be in our hearts forever. Our memories of you will become treasures forever.