Rita Raridon
1955 - 2025
Rita Raridon
1955 - 2025
Obituary
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Rita Raridon Obituary
Rita Raridon was born on February 20, 1955, at Rockford Memorial Hospital to George Leland Gowey and Anne Rita Schumann. She graduated from West High School and went on to study sociology and criminology at Rock Valley College and Northern Illinois University. She devoted her entire career to Winnebago County Juvenile Probation, serving 48 years as a probation officer. Later in her career, she turned to writing social histories, where her storytelling, writing skills, and dry wit truly shone. As one of the longest-serving employees in the County, she held a wealth of institutional knowledge, and her work touched thousands of lives across the Stateline.
Privately, Rita enjoyed life's simple pleasures. She was a voracious reader, and placed holds on new books at the Rockford Public Library weekly. Her knowledge of movies and TV was extensive, and she could always tell you who an actor was and at least one other role they had played. Baking was her passion and specialty, and she derived immense joy from making cookies, brownies, fudge, and birthday cakes for friends and loved ones.
A loud and proud Chicago sports fan, Rita amassed an extensive collection of memorabilia-from her days as a bleacher bum at Wrigley Field in the 60s, cheering on the Monsters of the Midway in the 80s, supporting the Bulls Dynasty in the 90s, and celebrating the recent Stanley Cup wins of her beloved Chicago Blackhawks.
Preceded in death by her parents, brother Dennis, and her spouse, Michael Raridon, Rita is survived by her son Andrew, his spouse Sarah Kosmicki, and her three cherished grandchildren, Ruth, Wren, and Arlo.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at the UW Carbone Cancer Center, Swedish American Hospital, and the Hospice of the Shenandoah for the extraordinary care and comfort they provided.
In lieu of a service or flowers, the family invites donations in Rita's name to the Rockford Public Library Foundation, where she was a frequent and lifelong patron. Personal messages and memories may be sent to her son at [email protected].
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Jodi Jennings
September 30, 2025
I worked with Rita and she became my friend. She was such a kind soul who cared for other people. She always showed compassion and was full of knowledge. She was always willing to help in any way she could. I think of her every day. I just know my next social history, she will be up there shaking her head at me and wanting to do it for me. Yes, she was the best at them! I will always miss our talks and her stories.
Monica Vitale
September 19, 2025
I had the privilege of knowing Rita and Andrew through my work as her hairstylist for several years before I relocated. We remained connected through Facebook. Rita was a warm, kind individual with a wonderful sense of humor. I truly appreciated hearing from her, and she will be sincerely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Andrew.
Lori Berkes-Nelson
September 19, 2025
I was blessed to work with Rita years ago. She was a fabulous public servant who worked hard to help teens change their trajectory in life. Rest in Peace Rita.
Teresa Marzorati
September 19, 2025
I am so sad to hear or Rita´s passing I was fortunate to work with Rita professionally and had many a wonderful conversations on books movies and family among other topics. God bless you Rita soar with the angels
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Judge Donna Honzel
September 19, 2025
Rita was outstanding! Her contributions to the juvenile justice system are too numerous to count. She was a dedicated and hard worker who went out of her way to get things accomplished and she always did so with excellence. May your memories of her provide you comfort and the memories from the JJC as we convey them make you proud of the work she did.
Sandra Gowey
September 19, 2025
Aunt Rita- I will forever remember you as a teenager driving your stick shift and listening to Rod Stewart on your 8 track, while putting up with your annoying niece (me). You were always the cool aunt, and I'm sorry to see you go. You will always be in my thoughts.
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