Rita J. Wallace

          Rita Jean Wallace, age 88, of Walnut, died Sunday, August 28, 2022 at OSF St. Clare Medical Center in Princeton.

          Rita was born April 30, 1934 in Van Orin the daughter of Glen and Marjorie (Britt) Hardersen.  She married Neale Wallace on June 14, 1953 at the First Christian Church in Walnut.  He preceded her in death on May 22, 2021.  Rita was a secretary at the Walnut Manor for many years and later worked for Dr. Daniel Fuertges, DDS.  She was an active, lifelong member of the First Christian Church in Walnut where she sang in the choir, lead the handbell choir, was a board member, and served as church secretary and Sunday school teacher.  When her boys were young, she enjoyed serving as a Den Mother for Cub Scouts.  She enjoyed spending time with her family, knitting, scrapbooking, watching birds, working on dollhouses with Neale, doing puzzles, watching Jeopardy and cooking her famous Thursday night suppers for her family.

          She is survived by her daughter, Kathy (Jeff) Adams of Walnut; three sons, Terry (Diana) Wallace of Burlington, IA, Tim (Teri Leigh) Wallace of Sterling and Greg (Joyce) Wallace of Walnut; one sister, Bonnie Neahring of Princeton; 14 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; and 8 great great grandchildren.

          She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; one granddaughter, Erica Adams; and three great granddaughters, Anastasia Austin, Pailee Hood and Kynlee Wallace.

          Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 1, 2022 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at the Garland Funeral Home in Walnut.  The funeral will be Friday, September 2, 2022 at 10:00 AM at the funeral home with Reverend Michael Freeman officiating.  Burial will be at Walnut Cemetery.

          A memorial has been established to the First Christian Church in Walnut.

          Online condolences may be sent to www.garlandfuneralhomes.com.