Rita M. Downing

1949 - 2024

Janesville, WI - Rita M. Downing, age 74, of Janesville, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2024, at Huntington Place. Rita was born in Strawberry Point, Iowa, on July 28, 1949, the daughter of Leander and Florence (Jarvis) Fischer. She attended Janesville High School and graduated in 1968. Rita married Allen Downing on August 2, 1969. Rita enjoyed working hard with an impeccable work ethic. She worked many years at Reynolds Wheels. She was a loyal member of the Saint Patrick Catholic Church. Rita was an avid deer hunter and loved spending time with her family at their cabin up north. She loved being outside in the summer while planting her vegetable and flower gardens. Rita loved the beach and spent many vacations in Jamaica. Most of all Rita will be forever remembered for her kind, loving heart and giving soul. To know her was to love her!

Rita is survived by her children, Jeremy Downing and Travis (Mindy) Downing; grandchildren: Matthias, Star, Addyson, and Hudson; her sister, Jessie Coleman; and numerous extended families. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Allen Downing, and five sisters and one brother.

A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at SCHNEIDER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY; with visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. For online condolences and guestbook, please visit: www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff and caregivers at Huntington Memory Care and Agrace Hospice for the care and smiles shared with Rita.

"She's in the sun, the wind, the rain, she's in the air you breathe with every breath you take. She sings a song of hope and cheer, there's no more pain, no more fear. You'll see her in the clouds above, hear her whisper words of love. You'll be together before long, until then listen to her song." By Christy Ann Martine