Rita Dianne Naes
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
Sympathy to the family.
My deepest sympathy to the family! 🙏
Bruce & Carla , so sorry to hear of Rita’s passing mayGod give you strength at this time of your loss.
Pretty Rita is gone way too soon. She touched so many lives that she will never be forgotten. You have a sweet angel watching over you now. Thoughts and prayers.
Bruce, our hearts are with you and your family during this unimaginable loss. Your request to share Barneys with children after disasters is a beautiful tribute to your daughter Rita’s memory and a profound reflection of the compassion and care you and your family embody. Even in the midst of your own tragedy, you continue to bring comfort and hope to others—a true testament to the humanitarian spirit we all strive to uphold. Please know that your Red Cross family stands beside you with deepest sympathy and unwavering support.
Carla, My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Rita was so special, cared for and loved by many!
My prayers of strength are with you both. She was a gift and was blessed to have you as parents.
So very sorry for your loss Bruce and to your family. You are in my prayers.
I just received this post about Rita. Please accept my sincere sympathy for your loss of sweet Rita. I so enjoyed working with her and you at gymnastics and fondly remember her participation in Special Olympics. May her memories by a blessing for you,
Miss Diane— super bodies gymnastics
Carla, this Is Karen Koch Pape. I’m so sorry for the loss of your daughter. I can’t imagine how sad this is for you. My thoughts and love to you and your husband and son.
This is Janet Koch Beinecke and my sister Karen shared the information of your beautiful child’s passing. Your thoughtful giving of the Barney animals is so inspiring and shows the love that you and your family have for Rita. I will keep you in my prayers.
Diana and I were very sad to read about Rita’s passing.
We both have many fond memories of Rita. Diana had the special opportunity to babysit Rita and Eliott many years ago. She remembers how much Rita loved Barney. I enjoyed seeing Rita at many Special Olympic events. Diana and I were both excited when you moved into the neighborhood.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Sweet memories of Rita will live on. Take care.
Debby Hauser