Rita Kelly

Kelly, Rita A. 

Rita Kelly (nee Marking), 87, of White Bear Lake, passed away quietly on January 26, 2024. Rita was born in Cross Plaines, WI and grew up on a dairy farm, but that wasn’t for her. She wanted to be a nurse and have a career and so went to the big city, Chicago, to attend St. Anthony De Padua Nursing School where she graduated in 1958. She earned her BSN in 1986 from the University of Minnesota. Rita worked throughout her life until her retirement in 1998. She met her future husband, Bill, on a blind date while in nursing school; they were married in September 1958. They lived in Chicago, then Westmont, IL, where they had four of their five children. The family was transferred to Minnesota when there was a railroad merger and settled in White Bear Lake where their fifth child was born. Rita had a strong faith; it was the foundation of her life. She was an active member of St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church. She was a Lay Presider, member of the Parish Leadership Council, founding member of the Sacraments and Worship Committee, a Eucharistic Minister, Mass Coordinator, RICA Sponsor and many other ministries. She was an active volunteer in other community organizations, including being a Cub Scout Den Mother, the Minnesota Nurses Association and TRIAD. Rita loved to travel, visiting all fifty states and many countries on five continents. She enjoyed her bowling and golf leagues and was a theater and concert enthusiast. She had season tickets to Lakeshore Players and the Minnesota Orchestra. Rita was very creative. She was an excellent seamstress and made her own and her daughters’ clothes when they were young. She enjoyed embroidery and embraced the macrame and crochet era. She was very interested in ceramics and made many beautiful things, from flowerpots to figurines. She will be remembered for her outgoing and friendly personality, her many acts of service, and her dedication to her family, church and friends. She is survived by her children, Bill Jr, Sheila, Kevin (Dorice), Tim, Lisa (Ben) Meyer; her grandchildren, Justin, Emilie (Nick), Hannah, Abby and Erin; her great grandchildren, Graham and Eloise; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; granddaughter, Sarah; parents, Martin and Margaret Marking; and her siblings, Jerome, Edward and Jeanette. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM on Friday, February 9 at St. Mary of the Lake Church, 4741 Bald Eagle Ave. with visitation one hour prior. Visitation Thursday, February 8 from 4-8 PM at Mueller Memorial, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave. with prayer service and time of sharing starting at 7:30 PM. Rita was beloved by many and will be sorely missed. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Alzheimer's Association or St. Mary of the Lake Church.