Rita Margaret McTigue (Eagan)

Rita was born on August 31, 1931, in Greenfield, Iowa to Cornelius J. and Helen M. Eagan and was the youngest of 12 children. She grew up on the family farm in a house with no indoor plumbing or electricity. Her grade school education took place in a one room schoolhouse, and she was taught by one of her older sisters, Agnes Mary. Though she was the youngest in the family, she had farm chores to help with before and after school. She attended Greenfield High School where she was crowned homecoming queen and graduated in 1950.

In 1951 she moved to Des Moines to begin working. She worked for Yonkers Department Store and the Iowa State Liquor Commission. In 1953 she was asked on a date by a young pharmacist at Bauder’s Pharmacy, Bob McTigue. At that time, she had just been hired as a flight attendant for United Airlines and was due to leave for training in a few months. The first date with Bob turned out to be her meeting the love of her life, even though she didn’t realize it at the time. Love prevailed, she didn’t leave for training, and they were married on June 11, 1955.

During their 69 ½ year marriage she and Bob lived in many different places, raised 5 children, were grandparents to 7, and great grandparents to 2, with a 3rd on the way. Rita’s greatest joy in life was her family, which meant everything to her. In August 2024 her entire family gathered in Colorado Springs where she spent a joyful week with all of her cherished family.

Rita was a woman of many talents, an accomplished seamstress, and quilter, and very clever and determined in figuring most anything out. There wasn’t much that she could not do. Her time on the farm cultivated a lifelong love of animals, especially dogs. She was known for her sense of humor, quick wit, kind heart, gentle spirit, beauty and grace which remained with her always.

She is survived by her loving husband Bob, her children Colleen, Brian, Mary (Joe), Jean and Carol, grandchildren Kelly, Kevin (Kimberly), Shawn (Stephanie), Erin (fiancé Matt), Leah, Claire and Sam, great grandchildren Stella and Everett, her sister Helen, and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley Arizona (www.hov.org).

The family would like to thank Rita’s caregivers for their exceptional and compassionate care.