Rita Frances Ward, 72, of Dittmer died Oct. 6, 2024, at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in St. Louis. Mrs. Ward worked as a cashier at Schnucks. She was a talented singer, seamstress, artist and master gardener. She was a passionate supporter of the Pro-Life movement. She also was a member of United Food and Commercial Workers 655 and a member of St. Rose of Lima Church in De Soto. Born March 6, 1952, in St. Louis, she was the daughter of the late Rudy and Frances (Motta) Gassner.
She is survived by her husband: James F. Ward of Dittmer; two children: Joe Leber of Dittmer and Greg Leber of St. Louis; two siblings: Tina Pinnell of St. Louis and Tom (the late Kathy) Gassner of St. Clair; four grandchildren: Maddison (Kyle), Tony (Kyleigh), Jane (Jordon) and Nicholas; two great-grandchildren: Jaden and Jeno and one more on the way; and many other family members and friends.
A gathering is scheduled from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15, at Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home, 220 N. Main, in De Soto. A funeral Mass is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, at St. Rose of Lima Church, 504 S. Third St., in De Soto. Inurnment will be in the National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks. Memorials may be made to Defenders of the Unborn, 13610 Barrett Office Drive, 103 Ballwin, 63021. Arrangements are under the direction of Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home.