Rita (Muldoon) Stringham, age 88, passed away peacefully at her home in Pasco, Washington on October 12, 2022. Rita was born in St. Louis, Missouri on September 10, 1934, the third child of Jack and Barbara Muldoon. She married Gene Stringham in 1957 and had two children. Rita was devoted to her family and to her Catholic faith throughout her life. She endured her share of pain, loss, and struggle in life, but she clung to her faith and always sought to live out the teachings and example of Jesus, particularly through her service and care for individuals.

Rita is preceded in death by her parents, sisters Mary and Patty, brother John, son Jimmy, brother-in-law Bill, sister-in-law Margie, and a child lost to miscarriage. She is survived by her daughter Lynn, son-in-law Rex Ayers, grandsons Mark and Brian, former husband Gene Stringham, and several nieces and nephews with children and grandchildren of their own.

Rita lived most of her life within 50 miles of her birthplace. Her father was a carpenter, and the family was continually constructing homes for family or Union members. Rita learned early that no problem was insurmountable – if one tool or method did not work as intended, she would always persevere in looking for another way.

Rita graduated high school, worked as a secretary, and later became a licensed Realtor, but her life revolved around her family, church, and community. She capably managed her household and coordinated home construction projects. She coached softball teams, played in golf leagues, and pitched in to serve wherever she saw a need. Rita cared for her aging parents and for her younger sister, who died of lupus in her early 40s. Divorced in 1986, Rita extended care to others through a national support group for divorced and widowed Catholics. She worked with the Wentzville Community Club for several years, raising funds to support special projects in her local community. Above all, Rita devoted herself to her children and grandchildren, moving across the country in 2007 to be near them.

Visitation at the Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home, 12444 Olive Blvd., Creve Coeur, MO 63141 on Tuesday, October 18 from 4-8 p.m. Funeral Mass at Immaculate Conception Chapel, 7701 Town Square Ave., Dardenne, MO 63368 on Wednesday, October 19 at 10 a.m. Rita will be buried at Our Lady Catholic Cemetery in Lake St. Louis, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Kidney Fund.

Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home        www.osfuneralhomes.com