Rita L. Windust

Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Rita L. Windust passed away on January 11th, 2025, at the age of 74. She leaves behind a legacy of love for all who knew her. 

 Born on February 5, 1950, to Charles “Nonie” and Nellie (Harmon) Bowles, Rita was the final child of eight. She was of great surprise to her large family making her debut ten years following the last sibling! 

Rita was raised in Adel, Iowa surrounded and loved by her large family for her entire life. She graduated from Adel High School and then briefly resided in Berlin, Germany where her high school love was stationed with the military. It was an adventure she recalled fondly. 

Rita later met and married Art Keller in 1971 and they began a family. Rita gained two stepsons from the union; Kevin and Ken. The couple spent many years fostering children and were happy to fold Lynnette into their family. Eventually, Lane, and then seven years later, Amber, were born into the marriage making things complete. Rita ran an in-home daycare for several years in order to be home with her kids and to do what she loved most- care for littles and make her house a home for her family. 

Rita became widowed in 1992, and her second act began. She began working outside the home in various administrative positions. Rita found love again with a persistent and charming customer while working for a local convenience store. She married James “Jim” Windust in 1996 and together they have had a full and rich life. 

Rita’s final career stop was dedicating more than a decade of service with the National Pork Board as a Mailroom and Administrative Assistant. She transitioned into retirement life in 2018 and was delighted to be back home again taking care of Jim, her cherished pups, and also helping care for her grandchildren. 

Rita loved a trip to the casino (where she was often lucky!), spending time with her siblings whom all lived close by, making trips to Branson, and watching many a game show on TV. Rita showed how much she cared for you through acts of service like cooking (her potato salad and deviled eggs are legendary) or gifting a handmade crocheted blanket as new babies made their way into the world. Rita really enjoyed many things about her life, but her pride and joy was truly her children and grandchildren. 

Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Jim of nearly 29 years; her beloved dog, Katie; children, Kevin (Kim) Keller, Ken (Toni) Keller, Lynnette Ryan, Lane (Carie) Keller, Amber (Cody) Dakan; grandchildren, Kelsey (Michael) Pieken, Anastacia Keller, KC Keller, Caiden and Paige Keller, and Ella, Caleb, and Delaney Dakan; siblings, Andy Bowles, Fern Stucker, and Louise Mague; as well as many other extended family and friends. 

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Nonie and Nellie Bowles; husband, Art Keller; and siblings and siblings in law, Frances Bowles (infant), Florence (Robert) Stucker, Benny Stucker, Charles (Joan) Bowles, Bonnie Bowles, John Mague, and Patricia Spoerry. 

All Services will be held at the Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Adel, Iowa. No graveside service will be performed.