Rita Mae Prentice

Rita Mae Stewart Prentice age of 76, of Leaf River Illinois, left this life on earth for eternal happiness in heaven on Monday, January 16th 2017. Rita was born in Amboy, IL on February 12, 1940. Rita was married to Harry Prentice on April 23, 1960. They were married 56 years. Rita was raised and worked on her family farm in West Brooklyn. There she was close-knit and greatly loved her parents, five sisters, two brothers, and her calf Snucks. She worked for The Rug Factory in Amboy, and then Carons International in Rochelle for approximately 20 years, and the Oregon Nursing Home for two years. After many years of hard laboring she enjoyed relaxing on the several acres she and Harry purchased and built their home on in Leaf River in 1990. There she enjoyed her free time with her family and her prized cattle including Tommy. She adored planting flowers and a large garden, drinking iced tea under the shade trees, and sitting on her porch. Rita's favorite color was pink; she loved John Deere tractors and collectables. For over 30 years and to this day Rita proudly devoted her time to raise her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed time spent with her family telling stories and jokes, playing card games, and watching the Hallmark Channel. Rita had a one of a kind sense of humor. She was a strong-willed and sincere woman with a loving heart. It was important to Rita that she took care of her family. Rita passed away in her Leaf River home surrounded by her closest loved ones. Rita is survived by her devoted husband, Harry B. Prentice; children, Robin (Gary) Spittler, Harry (Linda) Prentice, Rhonda (Jeremy) DeBord; granddaughters Danialla Schreiber, Rita A. Prentice, Michelle Spittler; grandsons, Logan Prentice, Adam Spittler, Christian Prentice, Joshua Short, Tyler Short, Noah Spittler, Jeremy J DeBord; great granddaughter, Mackenzie Schreiber; great grandsons; Dyllan Schreiber and Jaxson Mills and other close family and friends. Rita is preceded in death by parents, Jack and Pauline Stewart; beloved brother John J. Stewart. Funeral services will be held Saturday January 21, 2017 at 1:00 pm at Leaf River Baptist Church. Visitation will be held at 11:00 am until the time of service at the church. Pastor Randy Newton will be officiating. Burial will follow the funeral at North Grove Evangelical Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations have been established in Rita's memory. The family of Rita Mae Prentice wishes to thank Angie Janicke RN, Dr. April Moore, and Cheri Gertsch RN. Please sign Rita's guestbook and share a memory at www.burketubbs.com.