October 15, 1936 – October 1, 2026

Rita M. Schoenberg (née Lober), age 89, of Kirkwood, Missouri, passed away peacefully from natural causes on October 1, 2026—just two weeks shy of her 90th birthday.

Born on October 15, 1936, at St. Mary’s Hospital in St. Louis, Rita arrived alongside her twin brother, Ronald, who came out screaming first with Rita quickly following behind. Around age four, her family relocated to Charleston, Missouri, where Rita spent her childhood on the family farm. Always drawn to the outdoors, she could usually be found riding animals or fishing. She attended St. Henry’s Catholic Grade School, graduated from Charleston High School, and continued her education at Murray State University in Kentucky.

After college, Rita returned to the St. Louis area, settling in Brentwood where she married and raised her three children: Randy, Linda, and Greg. She built her own financial independence through a successful career at Polaroid and later as an insurance broker, a professional journey that helped define her trademark style, poise, and grace.

In 1987, Rita fell in love with Kirkwood, Missouri, making it her home for the rest of her life. She was an active, enthusiastic community leader, dedicating her time to the Indian Art Club, the Kirkwood-Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Kirkwood Republican Club. In recognition of her deep civic pride and dedication, she was honored as an Outstanding Citizen of the Kirkwood community at the Chamber of Commerce’s 55th Annual Installation Dinner in 2001.

In retirement, Rita poured her heart into fine-tuning her garden, always eager to share seeds or divide her hostas and oriental grasses for friends and neighbors. She took great joy in life’s simple pleasures—especially a big glass mug of iced tea enjoyed in her quaint kitchen or on the living room couch alongside her beloved cat, Zipper. Known for her quick wit and one-of-a-kind sense of humor, Rita could light up any room, almost always accompanied by a devilish smile and her unmistakable dimpled cheeks. Her family and friends will miss that spark more than words can express.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Judith Lober; her sister and brother-in-law, Helen Jo and Howard Brown; her sister-in-law, Elizabeth “Betty” Lober; and her former husband, Richard “Jerry” Schoenberg Sr.

Rita is survived by her twin brother, Ronald Lober, and by her cherished “3-6-9” crew—her absolute favorite people on earth:

• Her 3 children: Richard “Randy” Schoenberg Jr. (Teri Kay), Linda Sandler (Jeff), and Gregory Schoenberg.

• Her 6 grandchildren: Amanda Schmidt (Michael), Abbie Oran (Dylan), Andrew Schoenberg (Laura), Blake Schoenberg, Nathan Schoenberg, and Haleigh Schoenberg.

• Her 9 great-grandchildren: Bennett, Brooks, Baker, and Beau Schmidt; Ivy and Isla Oran; and Grant, Jack, and Luke Schoenberg.

A private service for the family is planned.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to St. Louis County Parks & Recreation, designated specifically for Lone Elk Park.