Rita Jo Ann Moonier
Rita was born on January 18, 1942, in St. Louis, Missouri. She was one of five siblings. Rita met Tom in her teens, and they married in 1960. Together they raised five children and weathered all the ups and downs of life. The last 23 years of her life included multiple fights against cancer. She put her Irish feistiness to the test on seven separate occasions. Rita credited her faith in God’s plan for giving her strength in these battles. She was an inspiration of perseverance to countless people.
Rita was “The Boss” supporting her husband Tom’s career in law enforcement for 51 years of service while also running their home. As her children reached adult age, she then became a pivotal supporting role in raising her grandchildren, offering advice, care, and the most magnificent Christmases they could ever imagine. In addition to her role as a strong family leader, Rita would go to “work” making sure slot machines were functioning well throughout the country.
Rita’s large family was the center of her life, attending countless baptisms, birthdays, graduations, weddings and births, she was a fixture to all of their life’s events. Rita’s children include John (Cheryl) Moonier, Christine (Tim) Stoverink, Katie (Richard) Ehrhard, Mary (Chuck) Weinman, and Erin (Michael) Goodman. Her grandchildren include Meghan (Mark) Sauer, Christopher (Janna) Moonier, Josh (Julie) Moonier, Tim (Jennifer) Stoverink, Joe (Cristina) Stoverink, Jack (Madisyn Weiss) Stoverink, Tessa (Connor) Grumich, Sarah (Cody Sauer) Ehrhard, Danielle Ehrhard, Charlie (Jocelyn Celeste) Weinman, Mollie (Logan) Wagoner, Tommy Weinman, Zachary (Ginny Schranck) Weinman, Lily Goodman, Zoey Goodman, and Lucy Goodman. Her great grandchildren include Grace, Louis, Emmelyn, Audrey, Mary-Kate, Elizabeth, Bridget, John, Maggie, Celia, Theo, Stella, Trey, Penelope, Jameson, Genevieve, Holden, Max, Eddie, Aria, Cali and Cooper.
Rita’s life will be celebrated with a memorial mass at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 27th at Blessed Theresa of Calcutta. 150 N. Elizabeth Ferguson, MO 63135. Visitation preceding mass starting at 10:00 a.m.
Rita has her adoring husband Tom, their sweet daughter Katie and precious granddaughter Danielle in Heaven, who have been patiently waiting for her. She is preceded in death by Joseph and Stella McCormack, brothers Tom and Larry, and sisters Pat and Virginia.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations at:
https://backstoppers.org/ donate/
My dearest friend for 58 years – Rita was the glue that held me together during a very difficult time in my life. There’s no way I can thank her enough for sharing her family with me, and taking her time to support me when I needed it. To her large loving family – thank you all for allowing me to be a small part of the Moonier clan.
Oh I am so sorry to hear of your sweet mom’s passing. Rita and your dad were such special and kind people. RIP Rita and tell Tom we said hello.🙏🙏💔💔
Dear Chris and Tim and the Entire Family,
Rita was a special lady and you can see the influence that she and Tom had in all of your lives. She kept the home a sacred space where all of you could relax and be comforted and continue your work in the world. I remember her and Tom coming to the Christmas Shows at Good Shepherd School especially proud when their grandkids were acting and singing. We had a lot of great times at Good Shepherd School and Parish. I think back on those days with a lot of warmth. Rita was a part of that warmth. You all had an amazing momma. Now she is safely home with no more suffering, in the arms of Jesus and her beloved love Tom.
Prayers and Love to all of you,
Annette and Jim Mayhew
Christine and family we are so saddened by Aunt Rita’s passing your love and prayers are with the entire family
I’m so sorry to hear about Aunt Rita. I have many memories of family gatherings, Christmases, baby and wedding showers or just hanging out. May she rest find peace in Heaven. She will be missed.❤️
Chris so sorry to hear about your mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you… love your friend
With heartfelt sympathy …May your Family find strength and comfort during this time of sorrow.
I remember Rita & your family from Good Shepherd Parish…the best years of our lives.
Rest In Peace, Rita