Rita Rose Coleman

Rita R. Coleman, 81, of Springfield, died at 11:55 a.m. on Monday, May 07, 2007 at St. John’s Hospital, Hospice Unit. She was born on September 4, 1925 in Springfield, the daughter of Charles M. and Sarah Jane Farnsworth Coleman. She graduated from Sacred Heart Academy and was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. She was an avid bridge player. Rita was a very well respected member of the legal community. She was extremely professional, caring and supported and cared for her mother. She was employed at Illinois Bell as a legal secretary until her retirement. She also had been employed by the Adlai Stevenson Campaign. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers: LaVern Coleman and Charles Coleman and three sisters: Josephine Dayton, Mary Pierson and Eloise Ellerbrock. She is survived by two brothers: Edward G. Coleman of Springfield and James R. Coleman of Morton and many nieces and nephews. The family welcomes friends to visit from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 10, 2007 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 5:00 p.m., with Rev. Philip Kraft officiating. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 11, 2007 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1725 S. Walnut, Springfield, with Rev. Philip Kraft celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter, Springfield Office, 6 Drawbridge Rd., Suite 4, Springfield, Illinois 62704.