Our Mom, Grandma and Great-Grandma, Rita Wallner, left us on Thursday morning, July 11, 2024. Born in St. Louis, January 26, 1931, we can’t imagine her life, growing up the 7th and last child, in the middle of the Great Depression in the city of St. Louis. The difficulties of that era stayed with her all her life and left her grieving family with memories of a woman with determination, a rather wicked sense of humor, and compassion for those in need. She felt especially drawn to dogs and cats that had been abandoned, and rescued many who had no future, with unbridled care and affection. It was a joy to watch her, as she made certain the animals that came her way never knew neglect again! In addition to living through the Depression, Rita was a polio survivor, and out-lasted two sessions of cancer! Our admiration for her was well earned, for she used these calamities of life to enrich the lives of others with her helpful and humble attitude. Rita worked for many years for Calmar Manufacturing as a quality control inspector, retiring in 1999. She was predeceased by her parents, Edward and Frances Reise Heitzman, and her six siblings; sisters Mary, Butsie, Frances, and Betty, and brothers Edward and Johnny.
Rita leaves her son, Edward Wallner of Lee Summit, MO, a daughter, Lisa Wallner of Blue Springs, MO, five granddaughters, Courtney Wallner of Lee Summit, Sophia Bent and Isis Wallner, all of Blue Springs, Heather Beck of Kansas City and Amber Ingram of Denver, CO. Also, four great-grandchildren, Ari and Charlee Beck of Kansas City and JJ and Ty Ingram of Denver, CO. Small in stature, but big in heart and appreciation for all things good, we will love and miss Rita, and be forever grateful that we were part of her life.
Obituary submitted by the family.
Arr: Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, MO, 816-690-4441