Rita Schneider
March 12, 2017
Rita Marie (Bellino) Schneider, of West Des Moines, Iowa, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many, passed away peacefully due to complications associated with Alzheimer’s disease on March 12, 2017. She was 73 years old. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 53 years, Fred; her two siblings, Clarke Fletcher and Martha Copeland; her father, Jack Fletcher; her three children, John (Catherine) Schneider, Matthew Schneider and Annie (Patrick) Kelly; and her grandchildren, Esmee Schneider and Rowan, Ryder and Ellena Rita Kelly. Rita was a devoted and loving wife to Fred and an amazing Mother and Gigi to her children and grandchildren.
Rita was born in Agrigento, Sicily on November 24, 1943. She came to the United States by Catholic Charities as a five year old and grew up at a Catholic Boarding School in Gladstone, New Jersey. She was sent to Davenport, Iowa to attend a catholic boarding school and then was sent to Des Moines, Iowa where Jack and Patti Fletcher met Rita and fostered her and eventually adopted her. Rita handled the hardships of her childhood with grace, she never looked back, only lived for her future with a huge smile on her face. While living with Jack and Patti Fletcher, Rita attended St. Joseph Academy. Upon graduation from St. Joseph Academy, Rita attended Grandview College.
While Fred was attending Drake University, mutual friends of Fred and Rita arranged a blind date for them to meet. The blind date was a success so Fred asked Rita on a formal “drive in movie” date. As Fred was driving up to meet Rita, he saw a very attractive young and “little” lady. Fred was armed with a 6 pack of beer and decided to take her to a drive in movie. Not only did Rita not drink beer, she turned into a “door hanger”, she was a challenge, but he knew at that very moment that he was in love. One year later, Fred got down on his knee and asked Rita to marry him in the kitchen of Patti and Jack Fletcher. Amazingly, Rita accepted and Fred and Rita were married June 6, 1964.
More than anything, Rita loved to be surrounded by people. The more the merrier and big smiles and laughs all around. She played a mad game of tennis when Rita and Fred belonged to Des Moines Golf and Country Club, loved golfing, lunched with the ladies, played bridge with the best of them and loved her friends and family deeply.
Rita’s family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the amazing, loving, compassionate staff at Edgewater Assisted Living Facility. As the disease progressed, Rita became a resident of Arbor Springs Facility, who provided outstanding care with unwavering compassion throughout this long journey.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the Alzheimers Association. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.
Services will be held on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA with visitation from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and the funeral service at 12 p.m. Burial will be at Jordan Cemetery.
Bill & Bobbi Smith
03/21/2017
Fred, we send you & your family our heartfelt sympathies. We are so sorry for your loss.
Carl and Jo Mersereau
03/15/2017
Fred, We are so sorry for your loss. Will always remember Rita's beautiful smile and fun personality. Our prayers are with you and your family
Beth Dorweiler
03/15/2017
So so sorry for your loss~ I had the privilege of playing tennis with Rita! Always a fun time!
Hugs to your family!
Judy Nepple
03/15/2017
I am so sorry for your loss. Rita and me played many games of tennis and I loved every minute. She was always smiling and made everyone feel good.
Cindy Schildberg
03/14/2017
Fred & family,
I was sad to hear of Rita's death. We r out of town & will miss the funeral. John & I met you at a Joseph's Jewelry function years ago--Rita loved her jewelry as you knew. And, you gave her many beautiful pieces. Rita & I would meet for coffee, laugh, talk & talk!! She had such a bubbly, vivacious, loving, compassionate & caring personality!! She adored her family & it was such a joy to hear her talk about them. Bless you, Fred, for being there for her constantly. Wishing you peace & hugs for this amazing person in your life!!!
Monica Fleisch
03/14/2017
Rita, you never lost that beautiful smile! I fondly remember playing golf at Willow Creek, having lunch, and sharing stories about our daughters. Deepest sympathy to Fred and the family.
Peace and love, Monica
Steve and Jan Melsha
03/13/2017
We are so sorry for your your loss. Jan and I will have you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Rita will continue to be missed. She was a special person.
Steve and Jan Melsha