Rita Ann Muenks, 68, Loose Creek, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 1, 2026, at SSM Health St. Mary’s in Jefferson City.
She was born on June 16, 1957, to the late Francis and Catherine “Tootsie” (Schaefer) Kever in Jefferson City.
She was a 1975 graduate of Fatima High School.
Rita was united in marriage to Larry Muenks on June 28, 1975, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Loose Creek.
She was employed at Chesebrough Ponds and later went to work for Missouri Employment Security until her retirement in August 2006.
Rita was an active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Loose Creek, where she served on the parish council, picnic committee and the school board.
She was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan who also enjoyed ceramics, puzzles, bowling, traveling, camping, boating and fishing. Her greatest enjoyment was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and friends.
Rita was preceded in death by parents, Francis and Catherine.
She is survived by spouse of 50 years, Larry; daughters, Sheila Ocheskey and husband Brad of Bonnots Mill and Michelle Starke and husband Brian of Linn; grandchildren, Karlee and Brenna Ocheskey and Gunner and Granger Starke; brothers, Robert Kever and wife Linda of Belle, John Kever and wife Cindy of Bonnots Mill and Carl Kever of Jefferson City; sisters, Jean Glavin and husband Ralph of Frankenstein and Mary Kever of Jefferson City; along with many nieces, nephews and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, June 9, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Loose Creek with Fr. Anthony Rinaldo officiating.
Interment was held in the Immaculate Conception Parish Cemetery. Memorial contributions suggested to St. Mary’s School in Frankenstein or Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Loose Creek.
Arrangements entrusted to Morton Chapel in Linn.
