Rita Washburn

Rita R. Washburn

Age 99, and a lifelong resident of Coal City, passed away Sunday morning, October 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 Nuclear 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 of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church 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 in death by her parents; husband Eddie on March 30, 1995, one brother Raymond Sobatzki and two sisters: Agnes Wiedl and her twin, Rineva Sommer.

The family will receive friends at Assumption Parish - Berst Center, 150 South Kankakee Street in Coal City, on Thursday, October 5, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. until time of funeral service 10:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Robert Noesen presiding.

Burial will follow in Mount 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, 195 S. Kankakee St., Coal City, IL 60416, Joliet Area Community Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431 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. (815-634-2125)