In Loving Memory of Rita Dianne Naes

Rita Dianne Naes, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026 at the age of 32.

Born on April 21, 1993, to her devoted parents, Bruce and Carla Naes, Rita was a lifelong blessing to her family. Her journey of faith began early when she was baptized on May 9, 1993, a foundation of love that remained with her throughout her life.

Rita was a proud graduate of Southview School in the St. Louis Special School District. Her time there was marked by the many friendships she formed with classmates and staff who recognized her unique spirit and celebrated her achievements.

She is survived by her loving parents, Bruce and Carla Naes; her brother, Elliot (Claire) Naes of Farmington, Missouri; her grandmother, Dianne Thies; her beloved nephew and niece, Sean and Genevieve; and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and caregivers. Rita was preceded in death by her grandparents, Gerald (Jerry) Thies and Lloyd and Rita Francis Naes, as well as her great-grandparents, Clara Thies Soldman and Lloyd and Lula Douglass.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at St. Clare Hospital in Fenton and the Agape Care Group (ACG) Hospice team. Their compassionate and excellent care provided Rita with comfort and dignity, and gave her family much-needed peace during her final journey.

Service Information:
Family and friends are invited to gather and honor Rita’s memory:
● Visitation: Saturday, January 17, 2026, 10:00am – 12:00pm
● Service: Saturday, January 17, 2026, 12:00pm
● Location: Abiding Savior Lutheran Church, 4355 Butler Hill Road St. Louis, MO 63128 Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Rita’s honor to:
● Stuffed Barney dolls may be brought to the service to later be donated by the family to the Mehlville Fire Department to bring comfort to children in the community, honoring Rita’s memory and lifelong love of “Barney and Friends”
● Southview School, 11660 Eddie & Park Rd, Sappington, MO 63126