Rita A. Fornkohl, 91, of Jackson passed away Thursday, May 17, 2012 at the Jackson Manor nursing home surrounded by her family.

Rita was born May 26, 1920 in Ancell, Mo daughter of Ivan D. Brant and Clara E. Diebold-Brant. She and Arthur C. Fornkohl were married November 20, 1938 in Poplar Bluff, Mo. He passed away September 12, 1992.

For most of her adult life, Rita was threading the eye of a needle. It started with the sewing machines of the International Shoe Factory in downtown Cape Girardeau, continuing on embroidered pillow cases and quilts she completed for family and friends. While raising her family on their 120 acre farm, she enjoyed playing cards and cooking, including making her famous blackberry cobbler from blackberries picked fresh from her garden. Her hobbies included traveling the United States visiting all but three states, dancing and volunteering. Rita gave 12 years of service to the Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, as well as volunteering her time and talent to the church and nursing homes. She was a spiritual woman and was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Jackson.

Loving survivors include four daughters, Patricia Ann (Bill) Wallace, Elizabeth “Betty” Glueck Waller, Glenda Kay (Arlin) Miller, and LaDonna McNulty all of Jackson; a half brother, Norman Brant of Scott City; and a half sister, Karry Brant of Cape Girardeau.

Also surviving are 13 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, with two more on the way and 3 great-great grandchildren. Her greatest love was being with the family.

In addition to her loving husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, Victor Brant, James Brant, Glennon Brant, and Gerald Brant; and a sister, Mary Ann Racher.

Friends may call Sunday, May 20, 2012 from 3-7 pm at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

Funeral service will be Monday, May 21, 2012 at 10:00 AM, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Jackson, with Father John Harth officiating.

Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial donations may be made to Southeast Hospice.

To view Rita's personal on-line video, click here:  http://videos.lifetributes.com/306484