Rita L. Schumacher

Rita L. Schumacher passed away peacefully at her home in Caledonia, Illinois, on November 5, 2025, at the age of 95.  Born in Platteville, Wisconsin, on February 10, 1930, to Lloyd Selleck and Frances Neff, Rita grew up with a deep appreciation for family, hard work, and simple joys. She graduated from Elizabeth High School and, on October 28, 1950, married the love of her life, Dale Schumacher, in Dubuque, Iowa. Together, they shared 54 wonderful years of marriage until Dale’s passing.

Rita dedicated her early years to creating a loving home for their four children. She took great pride in being a devoted mother, serving as a crossing guard and lunch lady so she could stay close and involved in her children’s daily lives. As her family grew older, Rita returned to the workforce and spent 25 fulfilling years at Logli’s (now Schnucks), where her creativity and warmth helped her rise to the position of floral department manager.

Rita found joy in life’s simple pleasures and loved having beautiful flowers in her yard.

She enjoyed many happy years playing Bunco with her dear friends, a group fondly known as the “Bunco Beauties”, who met faithfully for over 18 years. After Dale’s passing, Rita embraced new adventures, taking her first cruises and even a memorable trip to Las Vegas.

Above all, Rita’s greatest love was her family. Whether gathered around the kitchen table or sharing stories and smiles, she treasured every moment with those she held dear. Her kindness, humor, and warmth will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

The family would like to give special thanks to OSF Hospice and the loving caregivers who tended to her until the very end.

Rita is survived by her children, Marlowe (Barbara Trank) Schumacher, Marcia (Corky) Adams, Sharolyn “Sherry” (Dave) Guzzardo, and Connie (Mark) Jacobs; grandchildren, Carissa (Jason Thomas) Williams and Mitchell Schumacher; great-grandchildren, Emerson and Mason Williams; brother, Rodger Selleck; many nieces and nephews; special friends and neighbors, Leigh Ann and Dave Heidemann. Predeceased by her husband, Dale Schumacher; parents, Lloyd and Frances Selleck; grandson, Daniel Schumacher; sister, Roxy (Larry) McLamarrah; and sister-in-law, Ila Selleck.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory – Mulford Chapel, 4311 N. Mulford Rd., Loves Park, IL, 61111, at 11:00 AM, with a visitation starting at 9:30 AM, until the time of service. Reverend Dr. Murry Hanson officiating.  Burial will immediately follow at Scottish Argyle Cemetery. Donations may be made to either Rockford Rescue Mission or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rita L. Schumacher, please visit our floral store.