Rita Sayers, age 71, of Orchard, passed away Monday, Feb. 4, 2013, at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney.

Visitation was held on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013, from 6-8 p.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Fellowship Hall in Orchard.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in O'Neill with Rev. John Ryding officiating. Music was provided by Janet Grosch.

Pallbearers were Matt Neppl, Ken Jonak, Bill Babutzke, Tim Pfanstiel, Dean Svehla and Doug Montgomery.

Honorary pallbearers were her grandchildren.

Burial was in the Park Center Church Cemetery in rural Elgin. 

Snider Memorial Funeral Home of Clearwater handled the arrangements.

Rita, the first child of Kermit and Selma (Schacht) Montgomery, was born Nov. 7, 1941, at home on the farm west of Royal. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Orchard.

She received her elementary education at Antelope Country School District #93 and graduated from Orchard Public School in 1959. In 1964 she graduated from Norfolk Junior College with an associates of art degree in elementary education.She taught first grade for six years.

Rita married Willis Glen Sayers on Sept. 12, 1970, at Christ Lutheran Church in Norfolk. They farmed near Clarkson. To this union four children were born, Tina, Lois, Ben and Joe. On Feb. 4, 1979, Willis passed away with cancer.

While raising her four children, she worked as a clerk, home health care giver and substitute teacher.

She was devoted to her family. She enjoyed her flowers, garden, reading and playing cards.

Rita is survived by her children: Tina Sayers of Minden, Lois and husband, Matt Neppl of Cairo, Joe Sayers and wife, Angela of O'Neill and Ben Sayers and wife, Kourtney of Orchard; grandchildren: Ely Jonak, Aden Jonak, Emily Neppl, Kylie Neppl, Deric Sayers, Carson Sayers, Evan Sayers and Grace Sayers; sister, Judy Severin of David City and brother, Dale Montgomery and wife, Pat of Murray.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband and a grandson, Colton Sayers.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.snidermemorialfh.com.