Rita R. Washburn

COAL CITY—Rita R. Washburn, 99, and a lifelong resident of Coal City, passed away Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017 at the Joliet Area Community Hospice Home.
Born June 1, 1918 in Coal City, Rita Rose was a daughter of Cass and Kathryn (Zmich) Sobatzki. She was a 1936 graduate of Coal City High School, and on June 22, 1940, Rita married Edward James Washburn in Assumption Catholic Church. Together Eddie and Rita made their home and raised their family in Coal City.
Rita worked as a secretary, and her employment over the years was with Atlas Wallpaper, Dresden Station,and lastly Mobil Oil, from where she retired in 1982. Rita and her husband, Eddie also operated Washburn Lanes Bowling Alley in Coal City for numerous years in the 1960’s. She was an active member of Assumption Parish in Coal City, where she served as organist in her younger years, and she enjoyed playing the piano. The family had a summer cottage at South Wilmington Sportsman’s Club, where Rita took pleasure in spending a great deal of time during the summer months.
Survivors include her children: Linda (David) Smith and Greg Washburn, both of Diamond; grandchildren: Dennis (Muriel) Smith, of Diamond; Dianne (Bruce) Van Duyne, of Wilmington; Timothy (Holli) Washburn, of Coal City and Tod (Jamie) Washburn, of Morris, and great-grandchildren: Jessica Smith, Claire Smith, Jenna Van Duyne, Kelly Van Duyne, Emma Washburn, Abigail Washburn and Nolan Washburn.
Rita was preceded by her parents, husband, Eddie on March 30, 1995; brother, Raymond Sobatzki and sisters: Agnes Wiedl and her twin, Rineva Sommer.
The family will receive friends at Assumption Parish-Berst Center, 150 S. Kankakee St. in Coal City, on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017 from 9 a.m. until time of funeral service at 10 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Rev. Robert Noesen presiding.
Burial will follow in Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Wilmington, where Rita will be laid to rest with her late husband, Eddie.
Pallbearers will be: Dennis Smith, Bruce Van Duyne, Tim Washburn, Tod Washburn, David Smith and Dale Christensen.
Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Rita’s memory to Assumption Catholic Church Building Fund, Joliet Area Community Hospice or to the American Cancer Society.
Family and friends may sign the guest book, upload photographs or share Rita’s memorial page by logging onto www.ReevesFuneral.com.
Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City.