Rita A. Pajares' Obituary
Rita A., nee Luechtefeld, Pajares, 95 of Smithton, IL, passed away on March 9, 2018 at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born September 26, 1922, in St. Libory, IL. She was married to the late James J. Pajares. They were married September 8, 1945, in St. Louis, MO. He passed away December 30, 2004.
Rita was a member of St. John The Baptist Catholic Church, Smithton, IL,, and was active with the church quilters and the funeral lunch committee. She was a former member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Centerville, Il, where she was a member of the school Mother's Club. Rita was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her passion in life was taking care of her family, always providing delicious meals and baked items. She enjoyed bowling and playing cards with friends.
Surviving are her children; Ken (Barb) Pajares of Belleville, IL, Mary Ann (Al) Toenjes of Waterloo, IL, Kathy Pajares of Belleville, IL, Dottie (Gerald) Miller of Lively Grove, IL, Pat (Mike) Groves of Cadiz, KY, Jane (Dave) Briesacher of Waterloo, IL, Sandy (Jerry) Jenkins of Millstadt, IL, Tom (Connie) Pajares of Freeburg, IL, and Bill (Melinda) Pajares of Millstadt, IL; 25 Grandchildren; 36 Great Grandchildren; sister, Sr. Leona Luechtefeld ASC of Belleville, IL; brother, Ralph Luechtefeld of Belleville, IL; son-in-law, Lee J. Cox, nieces and nephews, along with other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Libory and Anna, nee Terveer, Luechtefeld; daughter, Geralyn Cox; great-grandson, Brody Miller; granddaughter-in-law, Jen Briesacher; sisters, Clare Schmidt, Florence Luechtefeld OLVM, Dorothy Luechetefeld, and Gertrude Maes; brother, Leonard Luechtefeld.
Visitation will be Saturday, March 17, 2018, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Smithton, IL. Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, March 17, 2018 at 1:00 pm at the church, with Fr. Ken York officiating. Interment will follow in the St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Smithton, IL.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to: The Brody Miller Trust Fund, St. John The Baptist Church or School, Smithton, IL, Adorers of the Blood of Christ, 2 Pioneer Lane, Ruma, IL 62278, or American Diabetes Association, 1701 North Beauregard St., Alexandria, VA, 22311. For more information, please access our website, www.leesmanfuneralhome.com.
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