Rita Arlene Wattjes

Rita Arlene Wattjes, 52, of Tuscola, IL and formerly of the Springfield area passed away Tuesday, February 27, 2024 in her home. She was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and niece. Rita was born in Hillsboro, IL on July 12th, 1971, the youngest and only daughter of Harold and Irene Wattjes. She graduated from Nokomis High School in 1989. She was raised on the Wattjes family farm in Nokomis, IL.  Her love to bake was passed down from generations before her. Rita worked in retail sales and customer service for many years. She later selflessly dedicated her life to taking care of her parents so that they could remain in the comfort of their home. Rita was very artistic, loved drawing, coloring, crocheting, crafts and DIY projects. She loved collecting vibrant pink flamingos, and adored the Winnie the Pooh characters. She was an amazing aunt that enjoyed spoiling all her nieces and nephews as if they were her own children.

Visitation for Rita Arlene Wattjes will be Saturday, March 9, 2024 from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 22009 East 19th Road, Nokomis, IL.  Funeral services will follow at the church with Pastor Christen Prumm and Reverend Jason Braaten officiating.  Burial will follow at St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Harold I.& Irene Wattjes of Tuscola, IL and formerly Nokomis, IL; paternal grandparents – Richard Wattjes and Helen Michelman Wattjes of Nokomis, IL; maternal grandparents – Herb and Temple Schmedeke of Harvel, IL, and many great aunts and uncles.

She is survived by her elder brother, Dennis and sister-in-law Paula Wattjes, their children, Alesia (Michael) Haslett and Rebecca Wattjes all of Nokomis and Witt, IL, and eldest brother Darrell and sister-in-law Michelle Wattjes; their children, Dawn (Richard) Tungate, Michael Wattjes, and Heather Alarcon Wattjes, as well as, great niece Destiny and great nephew Ethan all of Columbus, IN. She is also survived by maternal aunt Janet Bergman, maternal uncle Don (Karen) Schmedeke, paternal aunt Glinda Klim, and many cousins.

Memorials can be directed to Stiehl Dawson Funeral Home on behalf of the family

Online condonlences can be left at stiehldawsonfh.com

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