Rita Lietz

Rita Vegiard Lietz "Pee Wee"

Age 84 of Corinth, TX and formerly Wilmington, passed away December 16, 2006.

Born January 27, 1922 in Jewett City, CT, Rita was the youngest daughter of five to the late Henry and Amanda (Gobielle) Vegiard. When she was born she was so small they were not sure she would make it, but if you knew her at all, she was stronger than most and carried that strength with her throughout her entire life. Rita was vague about her size stating that she had to be 5 ft. tall to get into the Army. Well, maybe she didn't lie exactly, but bet she had to stretch those toes as far as possible. Rita was a veteran and proud of it; serving three years. While in the service she met her husband Walter H. Lietz. He worked in the Army offices and the standard joke was that he was sent overseas and Rita took his office job, so he came back and married her for spite! Rita was a looker; could ride a motorcycle, and up till the end, could sit Indian style on the floor with no effort. When Walter left the service, he and Rita moved to Wilmington, where he worked at the Joliet Ammunition and Procurement Agency. They were able to buy a small government home where they lived for 56 years. They were very active in many town functions, as well as with their church. Walter retired early at age 55 and they spent the last 20 years traveling all over. After Walter's death from Alzheimer's, Rita moved to Corinth, TX, to be closer to her daughter and son and their families. She made many new friends who still miss her uplifting spirit. She would be the first to tell you that she had a great marriage, great kids and a long exciting life. She believed in God and knew she had an even better life ahead.

Survivors include her daughter Anita (Jim) Reoh of Denton, TX; son Bill (Mary) Lietz; grandsons: Darren (Kim) Reoh of Larsen, WI, Doug Reoh of Denton, TX; great grandchildren: Bailey and Rylan of Larsen, WI and numerous nieces and nephews.

Rita was preceded by her parents; husband; sisters: Anita Banas of RI, Mildred White of MN, Monica Vegiard of CT and her only brother Arthur Vegiard, also of CT.

The family invites all friends to the interment at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood on Friday July 27, 2007 at 2:30PM. A procession will be leaving Reeves Funeral Home, 219 North Joliet Street (two blocks North of Illinois Route 53 / Baltimore Street) in Wilmington at 2:00PM. Pastor Beamsley will officiate the services, and a gathering at Grace Lutheran Church in Wilmington will follow immediately thereafter.

In lieu of flowers memorials to Grace Lutheran Church in Wilmington; The Alzheimer's Association or Cancer Research are appreciated.

Friends may sign the online guest book by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Local services and arrangements are under the direction of Reeves Funeral Home in Wilmington.