Visitation and a vigil service were Sept. 29 also at St. Michael’s Catholic Church.

Arrangements were under the direction of Mohr & Becker-Hunt Funeral Home.

Rita died Sept. 25, 2025, at Bel Air Nursing Home, Norfolk, following a short illness. She was surrounded by her family.

Rita Jean Stanley was born Aug. 31, 1927, to Frank and Edith (McGowen) Boeshart in Dixon. Rita married Dale Stanley May 20, 1948, at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, Dixon. Together they lived in the Dixon area until 1976. They then moved to Cozad, until they both retired and moved to South Sioux City in 1990. She is a graduate of Dixon High School and Wayne State College. Rita was a lifelong educator. Her first job was in a country school in Waterbury,at the age of 16. She taught 31 years in rural Dixon County, Dixon Elementary School and Cozad City schools.

She was an active member of her parish throughout her retirement. She served in the Legion of Mary and the Catholic Daughters, holding offices in both organizations. She also served others through welcome committees at church, taking communion to the homebound and funeral lunches.

Rita also had a great talent for crocheting and crafting. She spent her time making handmade rosaries to give away as gifts. She made countless blankets and Christmas ornaments for her many grandchildren.

Rita is survived by her eight children, Kathie and husband, Dennis Gothier, Norfolk; Dale “Pat” and wife, Vicki Stanley, South Sioux City; Donna Stanley, Sioux City, Iowa; Sr. Brigid Stanley, PBVM of Dubuque, Iowa; Noel and wife, Brenda Stanley, Lincoln; Lorraine Pinkelman, Coleridge; Laurie and husband, Monte Johnson, Manhattan, Kan.; Toni and husband, Tim Stanley, Blueridge, Texas; 26 grandchildren, 57 great-grandchildren and 16 great-great-grandchildren.

Rita is preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Dale Stanley; son-inlaw, Keevin Pinkelman; grandson, Ben Pinkelman; her parents, Frank and Edith (McGowen) Boeshart; sisters, Patricia Gleason, Angeline Stanley and Edith Fessler; and brothers, Frank Boeshart and Neal Boeshart.

Memorials can be directed to AseraCare Hospice of Norfolk.