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Rita Frances Ward was born March 6, 1952 in St. Louis, MO. She was the daughter of Rudy and Frances (nee Motta) Gassner. She died on October 6, 2024 at St. Mary’s Hospital in St. Louis, MO at the age of 72 years. Rita was a talented singer, seamstress, artist and a master gardener. She was a passionate supporter of the Pro-Life movement. She is survived by her husband, James F. Ward, Dittmer, MO; two sons, Joe Leber, Dittmer, MO and Greg Leber, St. Louis, MO; grandchildren, Maddison (Kyle), Tony (Kyleigh), Jane (Jordon), and Nicholas; great-grandchildren, Jaden; Jeno and one on the way; one sister, Tina Pinnell, St. Louis, MO; one brother, Tom (the late Kathy) Gassner, St. Clair, MO. She is preceded in death by her parents. Rita worked as a cashier for Schnucks.  She was a member of United Food & Commercial Workers #655; and of St. Rose of Lima Church, De Soto, MO. As an expression of sympathy memorials may be made to Defenders of the Unborn, 13610 Barrett Office Dr, #103 Ballwin, MO 63021.

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