Marshall, Rita Elizabeth (Morrissey)

Rita Elizabeth (Morrissey) Marshall, 88, of Cedar Rapids, died Tuesday, March 15, 2011, at Bishop Drumm Care Center in Johnston, after a lengthy battle with dementia. Services: 1 p.m. Friday, at St Jude Catholic Church. Burial: St Joseph Cemetery. Friends may visit from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday at Teahen Funeral Home and after noon Friday at the church.

Rita is survived by her daughter, Diane (Brad) Larson of Urbandale; son, David (Colleen) Marshall of Waterloo; grandson, Blake Marshall of Ames; granddaughters, Chelsey Larson of West Des Moines, Katie Marshall of Eden Prairie, Minn., and Rachelle Larson of Ankeny; and sister, Alice Morrissey of Ames.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Leland; four brothers, Joe, John, Bob, Ben; and a sister, Bernadine (Morrissey) Crawford.

Rita, the daughter of Michael J and Agnes B Jordan Morrissey, was born at home on her parent's farm in Colfax Township, Boone County, on August 16, 1922. She was the second to the youngest of seven children born to the decedents of Irish immigrants. She graduated from Napier Consolidated School in 1940, and worked at Iowa State University where she met her husband, Leland Marshall.

Lee and Rita were married Dec. 29, 1947, and spent nearly 60 years of married life in Cedar Rapids. Rita loved her community, her home and the friends she made there.

Rita was a devoted Catholic who was an active member of St Jude Church where she belonged to Mother Cabrini Circle and sang in the choir. Rita was a generous volunteer who gave freely of her time and talents in service to her community, schools and her church.

Rita was a serious sports fan who loved watching all Iowa State sports and she was a steadfast Cubs fan. She also enjoyed music, fishing, and traveling with her husband, Lee.

Rita was a caring and giving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was an accomplished seamstress, cook and gardener who took pride in her skills and enjoyed sharing her knowledge with others. She was happiest in her home surrounded by loved ones as she prepared a large meal to celebrate important occasions.

Her home always had an open door to those in need. Her house was a harbor and sanctuary to many, and she would welcome all who came to her home with one of her famous chocolate chip cookies.

Rita was an example of impeccable moral character and generosity. She taught her children, grandchildren and her “adopted” children and grandchildren about the wonders of nature, the importance of good values, hard work, service to others and pride in a job well done.

Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Catholic Church.

Online condolences may be left to the family at .