In Memory of Rita Marie Geffert
Rita Marie Geffert, age 81, of Cambridge passed away October 30, 2008 at GracePointe Crossing, formerly Grandview Christian Home in Cambridge. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, November 3rd at Christ the King Catholic Church with Father James David Hahn as Celebrant. A visitation will be held from 4:00 - 7:00 P.M. on Sunday, November 2nd at Strike Funeral Home - Cambridge Chapel and also 1 hour prior to the funeral Monday at the church. Interment will be in Christ the King Catholic Cemetery.
Rita was born in Detroit, MI. on May 6th, 1927 to Joseph and Mary Latchney. She attended Cooper Elementary school and graduated from St. Thomas High School. Rita pursued her musical talents at Sienna Heights College in Adrian, MI. and became an accomplished pianist. On August 23, 1947, she married her husband Joe Geffert of Detroit, MI. She is survived by her five children: eldest son Joe (Mary) of Pylesville, MD.; Jim (Arlette) of Mt. Pleasant, SC.; daughters MaryJo Lahr of Cambridge, MN. and Sue Walker (Andy) of Manchester, MO. Son John Geffert and wife Melinda reside in San Antonio, TX.
Rita will be dearly missed by her sisters: Dorothy Brady of Oxford, Ohio and JoAnn Colleran (Jim) of Livonia, MI. as well as her sister-in-law Helen Pakizer of Sterling Hts., MI. Rita was a very proud grandmother of her ten grandchildren: Nick, A.J. (Heather), Chris (Mariko), Anderson & Spencer Geffert; Brian (Molly), Jenni & Suzi Lahr; and Tom & John Walker.
Great granddaughters, Gracie and Greta Lahr were a joy to Rita who treasured every smile and hug. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews who live around the country.
Wherever Rita lived, she made many dear friends. She cherished their correspondence and proudly displayed the many cards she always received. She leaves behind so many caring and loving friends.
Rita’s passion in life was her piano and all loved to hear her play. Children and grandchildren could always expect to hear her sing and play “Happy Birthday” via the phone on their special day. Rita devoted many hours to senior centers in Phoenix, Albuquerque and Cambridge by playing for the sing-a-longs that she directed. One of Rita’s interesting pursuits, was collecting and developing a considerable repertoire of hundreds of pieces of music spanning many decades and styles. From this varied collection, she would carefully arrange themed presentations depending on the time of year and type of audience. Rita is remembered for her lively and beautiful renditions of songs that brought back wonderful memories for the audience.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents and husband Joe of forty-two years. Joe and Rita met, married and raised their family of five children in a Slovak neighborhood on the east-side of Detroit. In 1973 they moved to Phoenix, AZ. Eight years later they moved to Albuquerque, NM. Joe passed away in Albuquerque and was buried in the view of the beautiful Sandia Mountains. Joe was recently moved to Christ the King cemetery in Cambridge, MN as wished by Rita. Now Rita and Joe, a loving couple, dedicated parents, and adored grandparents are finally reunited forever.
Rita lived a long and happy life, im sure of it. it’s also very assuring to not have to wonder where she may be at this point, watching over the ones she knew, loved, and interaced with. when i was just a little baby, before i had any memories, my mother handed me right over the fence into Rita’s arms. Rita was our next door neighbor for a while when she was living in New Mexico. It was great because she would spoil my sister and I with candies, toys, and just the naturual power she had to make people feel that they were something special, and the uncoditional love she had for my family, even though we were merely neighbors at this time, so much so I had started to call her “My Grandma Rita”. I would always know when she was playing her piano. The beautiful sounds of heaven right from her fingertips transferred to that piano. As I had gotten older, Rita made the choice to move back home, closer to her family. Even though she was on the opposite side of the country, our family still kepy in touch with Rita and had even made a special trip to go and see her. Once i had graduated from high school Rita would always encourage me to strive to learn new things all the time and to be the best person that i myself could possibly be. She was always so interested in the classes that i was taking, and when i told her that i wanted to be an architect, Rita blew up with excitement and said to me, you can do anything, challenge yourself, and the challenge you have chosen for youself is accepted by me. Rita was a person to hold me accountable for my goals gave me tenacity through all of her encouragement kept me persistant to go on with life. Rita was very very special to me and she will be GREATLY missed. I love you grandma rita, and i will miss you so dearly, but your words of love and encouragement wiil always be with my family and I.
We find it difficult to put into words all the feelings that came over us when the call came with the sad news of our wonderful friend and neighbor. We know God blessed us when we moved to our home, and met our new neighbors, Rita and her husband Joe. Our daughter Candice (only 4 at the time), always called them Grandma Rita and Grandpa Joey. It brought a measure of joy to us all, and so by the trust of a child, they were adopted as more than neighbors. Joe was called home far too soon, and we thought perhaps Rita might move away, but she stayed in her home. We were glad to have such a caring, concerned friend, who was only a few footsteps away. We were glad that she was able to accomplish the move to Minnesota when she did, though we were sad to see her move. We were fortunate to have the opportunity to spend a few days visiting, and enjoy a road trip with her on our vacation up north in 2004. We also were honored that she made the journey back to Albuquerque in 2005, for our daughter’s wedding. Were were pleasantly surprised that she got to meet my younger sister (of Savage,MN.) on that flight. We have many treasured memories of the years she lived next door, and they’re like gemstones - each one special for it’s own color, quality, and meaning. The memory most highly prized is the indominable spirit, with actions guided by love. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, and we share your grief.