Rita Y. Knittel, 93, of Springfield, passed away on November 10, 2020 at St. Joseph’s Home. She was born on April 4, 1927 in Mason City, Iowa to Dudley Decker and Kathryn Decker. Rita married James H. Knittel in Clear Lake, Iowa and he preceded her in death in February of 1995.
Mrs. Knittel is survived by her children: Kathryn (Tom) Lakiotis of Collinsville, IL., James (Jodi) Knittel of Maricopa, AZ., Elizabeth (Mike) Suerth of Lincolnshire, IL., and Kristine (Gordon) Gates of Springfield, eleven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and one brother Jay Decker of Port Isabel, TX. She was preceded in death by her beloved rescue dog Tazzie.
Rita worked as a librarian at Urbandale Public Library in Urbandale, Iowa. She was an avid bridge player and dog lover who enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles and birdwatching. Rita and her husband James traveled the United States in their camper including trips to Canada and Alaska.
Cremation rites were accorded and memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph’s Home, 3306 South Sixth Street Road, Springfield, IL. 62703.