Rita Elizabeth Thomas was born to John L. and Mary (Wenzl) Thomas on December 20, 1927 on the farm north of Pawnee City, Nebraska.   She attended rural school Maple Grove District #17 and graduated from Pawnee City High School in 1944.

She began employment as a receptionist for the offices of Drs. Anderson and Stewart and the Pawnee Medical Clinic in Pawnee City.  She later worked as admissions clerk at the Nemaha County Hospital in Auburn until her retirement.  After Rita retired she moved to Lincoln, Nebraska. In her spare time, Rita enjoyed crafts, crocheting, singing and scrapbooking.  She was very interested in family genealogy.

Rita was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church.  She was a current member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lincoln and former member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Steinauer. 

When her health declined, Rita became a resident of the Ambassador Nursing Home in Lincoln, where she passed away on April 27, 2016 at the age of 88 years, 3 months and 7 days.

She is survived by nephews, Bradley and William Bool, nieces, Cheri Minor and Cammy Bool, great-nephew, Chris Bingham and wife Teresa, great-niece, Kimmie Montes and husband Raul, great-great nephew, Matthew Ballard and wife Kristina and his children, Bailey and Mackenzie Ballard, and great-great niece, Jessica Ballard and her child, Madison Pollard. 

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary Thomas, sisters, Marie Dunker and Doris Bool, nephew, David Bool and niece, Cynthia Taylor.

Mass of Christian Burial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 3, 2016 at the St. Anthony Catholic Church in Steinauer, Nebraska with Rev. Father Scott M. Courtney officiating.  Rosary will be recited prior to the service at 10:15 a.m.

Visitation will be at the Wherry Mortuary in Pawnee City, Nebraska on Monday, May 2, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends from 5-7 p.m. 

Memorials may go to the family's choice.  Interment will be in the St. Anthony's Catholic Cemetery, Steinauer, Nebraska. Online condolences may be left @ www.wherrymortuary.com.   Wherry Mortuary, Pawnee City, is in charge of arrangements.  (402) 852-2387.