Rita Schell Ward

Rita J. Ward, 80 of Streator passed away Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 AM Saturday, October 23, 2021 at Hagi Funeral Home, Streator with Pastor Roger Davis officiating. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 10:30 AM Saturday prior to services at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donors choice.
Rita was born August 20, 1941 in rural Flanagan, a daughter of Ogle and Thelda R. (Baker) Schell. She married Ron L. Ward on March 22, 1960 in Cairo, IL.
She is survived by her husband of 61 years; three daughters, Linda (Danny) Jarrett of Pontiac, Lisa Stoeger of Toluca, and Lynette Ward of Streator; 9 grandchildren, Shannon Kirk, Ronnie and Ryan Bethard, Jamie Derossett, Jenna and Joshua Long, and Brenton, Johnny, and Macoy Ward; and 12 great grandchildren. Also surviving is a sister, Donna (Robert) Arroyo of Streator; and Larry (Nancy) Schell of Streator.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Roy Kenneth Schell, Donald Schell and Roger Schell.
Rita was a member of the Church of the Nazarene in Streator.
She worked at various jobs throughout her live but was mainly a homemaker. Her favorite job and one she loved talking about was being a carhop at Dog & Suds in Streator during her high school days.
Rita loved to play Golf, enjoyed making ceramics and was an avid Chicago Cubs Fan.