Rita Schmitz

1958 - 2025

Rita (Callaghan) Schmitz, 67, of Fayetteville, IL died October 14 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

Rita was born in Belleville, IL on March 8 1958 to Robert and Ruth (Bartmess) Callaghan.

As a child spending time with her father, Rita developed a life-long passion for the outdoors, especially fishing, and the St Louis Cardinals. She also spent time with her father's family in Louisiana and fondly told stories of her times with the Cajun side of her family.

Rita graduated from Freeburg High School in 1976. In 1981 she began working for the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), where she met many dear and life-long friends including Mike Fowler, Jeannette Cory, Mary Jo Simmons, and most importantly, her husband of 30 years, Richard. She retired in 2012, completing 31 years as an EEO Labor Specialist.

Rita loved all things outdoors; hiking, fishing, the beach, but more than anything she loved her two boys. She greatly enjoyed taking her boys on trips to share outdoor adventures. They made many fishing trips to Lake of the Woods in Ontario, frequently stopping to fish streams and lakes in Wisconsin and Minnesota on the way to or from Canada. They also made trips to the Gulf Coast, Florida, countless trips to Southern Illinois and Southeastern Missouri, and her annual fishing trip with Richard to Greers Ferry, AR for their anniversary.

Rita retired early to care for Richard. Rita artfully balanced her time caring for Richard, taking him on as many adventures as possible, and spending as much time as possible with her rapidly acumulating grandchildren.

After Richard passed in 2016, Rita's focus shifted entirely to her grandkids. She took every opportunity to spoil the crap out of them while babysitting, going to Cardinals games, and on trips to Connecticut, Virginia, and the Gulf Coast.

Being diagnosed with cancer in 2022 barely slowed her down and couldn't put a damper on her positive outlook for life. Rita looked at doctor's appointments as opportunities for adventure. Along with her dear friend, and surrogate sister, Mary Jo, she researched and sampled from countless restaurants, stores, and shops. Always on the lookout for the perfect toy or trinket for one of her boys or grandkids, Rita frequently filled the back of her sister's car with treasures.

Rita stubbornly fought through many health hurdles, never complaining about anything other than being away from her canine companions Dell, Levi, and Dumpling, or missing an opportunity to take her grandkids on another adventure.

Rita loved to cook, especially for her family, and was always on the lookout for new and fun recipes to share with family and friends.

A stubborn fighter til the end, Rita peacefully passed with her boys at her side.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Patricia May, and her husband Richard.

She is survived by two sons, Robert (Tiffany) Schmitz of Ledyard, CT, and Andrew (Annie) Schmitz of Freeburg, IL, and seven grandchildren, Lilly, Connor, Owen, Avery, Brody, Declan, and Dean.

Memorials may be made to the Wheelin' Sportsmen, sponsored by the NWTF (National Wild Turkey Federation) or to Canine Companions for Independence Wounded Veterans Initiative.

A celebration of life will be held on November 30 from 12-4 p.m. at Freeburg Sportsmen's Club in Freeburg, IL.