Rita (Robbins) Christians, 66, of Belmond, IA, passed away Friday, December 31, 2021, surrounded by her family at her home in Belmond, IA. Public Mass of Christian Burial be held Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022, at 10:30 AM, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Belmond, IA. Father Jerry Blake will be officiating. Public visitation will be held Tuesday at the church from 5:00-7:00 PM and continue on Wednesday from 9:30-10:30 AM. There will be a Parish Rosary at 4:15 PM Tuesday at the church and a Christian Vigil Prayer service following the Rosary prior to the visitation. A family burial will take place at the St. Francis Catholic Cemetery near Belmond at a later date. Memorials may be given in Rita's memory to the family or the donor's wishes. The funeral service will be Live Streamed Wednesday at 10:30 AM for those who may not be able to attend in person on the Andrews Funeral Home Facebook Page, just LIKE THE PAGE TO VIEW.
Rita Robbins, the daughter of Lee and Deloris Arlene (Green) Robbins was born April 23, 1955, at Belmond, Iowa. She was the 2nd oldest of the 6 children to bless this union. Rita was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church at Goodell, IA. She attended Belmond Community Schools graduating from Belmond High School on May 17, 1973.
Rita was united in marriage to Thomas Edward Joseph Christians on May 19, 1973, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Belmond, IA. Following their marriage, Rita and Tom made their home on an acreage near Klemme where Tom farmed for a time before commencing a full-time career as a truck driver. The couple's marriage brought three children into their family including a son Clint, daughter Nichole, and a son Neil. The Christians eventually settled in Belmond where they raised their family and Rita relished the role of wife and mother while maintaining the family home. For many years she worked in restaurant and hospitality jobs. She was employed at Baumer's Restaurant and Millie's Restaurants in Belmond. Rita also spent a period of time working in the office of Tenold Chiropractic in Belmond and later was employed for 15 years with Belmond-Klemme Schools as an aide, focused on working with Special Needs kids in the Special Education Department. She truly loved this role and was a perfect fit for the positions as she cherished being around young people.
Rita's family was foremost in her life. She proudly wore her titles as a wife and life partner to Tom, a loving mom to her three kids, and a doting and nurturing grandma to her grandchildren. She enjoyed being with her siblings and their families and her special friends over the years. She looked forward to spending time visiting and caring for her grandkids when their parents had other obligations or hosting them with Grandpa Tom in their home. Rita was an upbeat lady who enjoyed any simple pleasures in life that came her way. She incorporated her family in as much of her life as possible. She was always more interested in focusing on others and providing for their needs rather than those of her own. If a family gathering included a meal, she would be sure that she sent care packages of food with them when they left for home.
Rita and Tom looked forward to getting together with other couples to play cards and loved going dancing at regional venues. They could be seen cutting a rug in matching outfits and often took their kids along. They even taught some country dance lessons over the years.
Those who had the privilege of crossing in Rita's life pathway will remember her for her boundless love for her family and friends, her captivating smile and her twinkling eyes, and for having a loving heart that was bigger than her being.
Her memory will be cherished by her husband and life partner of 48 years Tom Christians, Belmond, IA; son Clint (Andrea) Christians, and their children Cale, Cooper, Caroline, and Caitlyn all of Pocahontas, IA; daughter Nichole (Cody) Lunning and their daughter Abby, Garner, IA; and son Neil (Samantha) Christians and their daughter Emma and son Emmett, all of Pocahantas., IA. Rita's siblings: Kenneth (Rene') Robbins, Belmond, IA, Larry Robbins, and Dave (Linda) Robbins all of Goodell, IA, Dale (companion Michelle Weaver) Robbins, Clear Lake, IA, and Rebecca (Rick) Munoz, Ottumwa, IA. Also surviving are many aunts, uncle, nieces and nephews, cousins, in laws on Tom's side, and countless friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents Lee and Deloris; father-in-law and mother-in-law Clarence and Bonnie Christians; grandson Joshua Christians.
www.andrewsfuneralhomeandfloral.com 641-444-4474
Read More
