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Rita M. Dearing

March 21, 1921 - March 27, 2009

Rita M. Dearing nee Nilles, age 88, of Crown Point, IN, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2009 in the loving care of St. Anthony Hospice in Crown Point, IN. She is survived by her son, Dennis Dearing Betsy, daughter, Lita Bower Jim, son, Kevin Dearing, daughter, Judith Terry Frisk, son, Tim Dearing, and daughter, Maria late Sonny Fay, 16 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and 2 sisters, Alice Stahl and Carol Leber. Preceded in death by her husband, Raymond, sons, Shawn and Joel, 1 brother and 1 sister. Funeral Prayers will be said on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at 9:15 AM at Geisen Funeral-Cremation & Reception Centre, NOTE: NEW LOCATION, 2 blocks east of Broadway at 606 E. 113th Ave., Crown Point, IN followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at St. Matthias Catholic Church, 101 W. Burrell Dr., Crown Point, IN with Fr. Jim Wozniak officiating. Interment at Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville, IN. Visitation will be held on Monday, March 30, 2009 at Geisen Funeral, Cremation & Reception Centre in Crown Point from 3:00 to 8:00 PM. Mrs. Dearing was a member of St. Matthias Catholic Church where she was a Eucharistic Minister and an educator for RCIA. She was a phenomenal cook and baker and enjoyed cooking for everyone she loved. Rita was a community activist, worked for Dental Professional Lab in Merrillville, IN and was retired from Simmons Mattress Company. Memorials may be given to St. Anthony Hospice, 203 Franciscan Dr., Crown Point, IN 46307. To share a memory please visit the guestbook section on the obituary page at www.GeisenFuneralHome.com For information call 219-663-2500.

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Rita M. Dearing nee Nilles, age 88, of Crown Point, IN, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2009 in the loving care of St. Anthony Hospice in Crown Point, IN. She is survived by her son, Dennis Dearing Betsy, daughter, Lita Bower Jim, son, Kevin Dearing, daughter, Judith Terry Frisk, son, Tim Dearing, and daughter,Continue Reading

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Dean Hutchins left a message on April 25, 2009:
Rita was my neighbor and friend for nearly 30 years. I've never known a harder worker or more dedicated mother. Every child in the surrounding neighborhood had adopted her as their surrogate or additional grandmother. She was highly devoted to serving the Lord and others as long as I've known her. My children enjoyed helping Rita with any tasks she couldn't handle because she paid off in the finest of cookies and cakes in the county. Her door was always open to those she knew and she would help anyone in need even though her own means may have been meager. Rita's children conveyed the same hospitality because they learned it from her and their late father Ray by example. I've missed her ever since I moved away from next door. I know in my heart there was no one who loved God any more than Rita Dearing, may she rest in her much deserved blessed peace forever. May God bless and so long Rita, see ya when I get there. Dean Hutchins
Janine Stevens left a message on April 7, 2009:
I fondly remember Rita as a very strong, loving and nurturing woman. She was always there for anyone who needed her and did so without any complaint. She was a wonderful cook who always had room for one more at her table. God bless and keep you. Love, Janine Stevens and Family
Larry and Merrily Nilles left a message on March 31, 2009:
We remember Aunt Rita at family picnics; the food was always great! We are sorry to hear of her passing and our prayers go out for her dear family.
Gerry-n-Mary Maxwell left a message on March 30, 2009:
Our prayers go out to Dennis, Lita, Kevin, Judy, Tim and Maria, and to Aunt Alice and Aunt Carol. Aunt Rita was a wonderful lady and we were all blessed to have her in our lives. Some of our best memories are of the good times with our Nilles cousins. May God bless all of you.
Betsy Dearing left a message on March 30, 2009:
Iwill miss my wonderful other Mother so much. Most often when I am cooking. The first time I met her she was making Christmas candy, and her huge kitchen table was covered in chocolate candy.Every time she would turn to do something we would snatch another piece. Through the years, whenever I would make one of her recipes it would make me lonesome for her so I would call her. She always had good cooking tips to share. Making pumpkin cake in the fall will never be the same. I'll miss you Ma.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Mary Lou Dortch left a message on March 29, 2009:
I am sad to hear of the passing of Rita Dearing. She was a wonderful and caring person. She was a great cook. You never went hungry while visiting her house. I will miss spending Christmas Eve with her. I remember her most as she came to my wedding in Georgia and caught my bridal bouquet. Love and Kisses. Mary Lou Dortch Richwalski
Colette Miller left a message on March 29, 2009:
My prayers and sympathies are with my Cousins and Aunts at this time. I am so glad we all got to see one another at the reunion. Take care and God bless all. Love, Colette
Geisen Funeral Home left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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