Howe, Rita Marie (Maas)

Rita Marie (Maas) Howe, died peacefully at home Friday evening, March 23, 2012, with family by her side. Celebration of Life: 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 28, at Sharon Center United Methodist Church, rural Kalona. Burial: church cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Peterseim Funeral Home in Kalona.

Rita was born in rural Kalona on Dec. 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 Mount Pleasant 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 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 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 whom she loved deeply throughout her life. Other survivors include a sister-in-law, Donna Maas of Kalona; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Meredith and Florence Maas Sr.; her brothers, Meredith Maas Jr., and Donald Maas; many aunts and 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.

Published March 26, 2012 in The Gazette