Name: Visitation for Rita Southard
Start: 2020-07-19T17:00:00.000Z
End: 2020-07-19T18:00:00.000Z
Location: Valley Funeral Home - Appleton

Rita Southard

Appleton - Rita Ann Southard, 88, of Appleton, passed away on Tuesday, July 14th. Rita was born to Albert and Ruby Blubaum in Vincennes, Indiana, on November 25, 1931.

Rita played and taught the piano most of her life. She also taught organ and accordion. Rita played the organ at the First Baptist Church of Appleton. She also accompanied the Silver Foxettes and The Rhythmettes senior dance groups. Rita played the piano at George's Steakhouse for 20 years. She also worked at Prange's in downtown Appleton while raising five children.

Rita is preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Ruby, her husband William H. Southard and sister-in-law Donna Blubaum . She is survived by her sister, Marilyn (Paul) Kueber, Larry Blubaum, and Bruce (Pam) Blubaum.

Rita is survived by her son Greg (Julie) Southard of Appleton; Son Jeff Southard of Scottsdale, AZ; daughter Valory (Michael) Stopczynski of Acworth, GA; daughter Beverly (Dominic) Sollitto of Neenah; and son Eric (Wendy) of Appleton. Rita was also survived by her grandchildren: Joseph (Renata) Southard, Melissa (Bradley) Moore, Zachary (Ashley) Southard, Samuel (Elisa) Southard, Chelsea (Travis) Schumann, Solomon Stopczynski, Kira Stopczynski, Ruby Sollitto, Mary Sollitto, Michael (Alicia) Southard, Tyler (Danielle) Southard and Travis Southard. Rita was blessed with 14 great-grandchildren.

The visitation and funeral will be held on Sunday, July 19th at Valley Funeral Home in Appleton. The visitation will be from 12:00 - 1:00pm. The funeral service will follow at 1:00pm. Pastor John Hartenberger will preside. The burial will be held at Appleton Highland Memorial Park on Richmond Street in Appleton. For the health and safety of all, we respectfully request that face masks be worn. An opportunity to view the service live is provided on Valley Funeral Home's Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that donations be made in her name to the Edenbrook of Appleton nursing facility at 2915 N. Meade Street, Appleton, WI 54914, where Rita she has joyfully lived her last 6 years.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Appleton Post-Crescent from Jul. 16 to Jul. 17, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Rita Southard

Sponsored by Valley Funeral Home - Appleton.

9 Entries

Patty Bero

July 27, 2020

What a joy to have known Rita! She was so patient and kind. All three of our kids, Kate, Carrie and Danny took lessons from her. It always amazed me that she was able to connect with students of all ages and abilities. I even took lessons for a few years!

My heart goes out to Rita’s family. Please know that so many people are thinking of you and Rita and remembering what a wonderful, sweet lady she was!

Take Care, Patty Bero

Kathy Wege

July 24, 2020

Ita was such a joy to know! I really loved doing puzzles with her while I was her nurse! Realky enjoyed her piano playing in the Community lunch area where everyone heard her talents. RIP, dear lady and friend. Kathy Wege. LPN

Katie

July 21, 2020

I am so sorry to hear of Rita’s passing. My sister and I were piano students of hers for our whole childhoods. When I think back to the things that have changed my life, or put me on the path I am now, I can say with certainty that learning to play the piano is on the top of the list. I am so great full for her and her kindness. Passing her legacy on to my own children as they now learn to play piano as well.

Lori Eastman

July 17, 2020

Our deepest sympathy to Ritas family. Rita gave both of my children, Kayla and Drew, piano lessons for several years at her home. She was so kind and patient with them. We always enjoyed the recitals she organized for all of her students each year. Were grateful for knowing Rita and for her gift of music she shared with so many!

Sindy Oakley

July 17, 2020

Rita was so lovely! She was patient and kind. Rita taught me to play the piano starting when I was 7yrs old until 18yrs old. At Christmas time, she would record my Christmas Songs on cassette tape-I thought it was so cool. I am grateful, I can still read music to this day all because of Rita.

Pam

July 17, 2020

Rita also played the piano at the Neenah Eagles back in the late 60s or early 70s. I remember sitting next to her on the piano bench watching her fingers soar over the ivory keys. Rest In Peace Rita. From the ivory keys to the pearly gates, there will be beautiful music in heaven because of Rita.

Linda n Donny

July 17, 2020

So sorry Eric, Wendy and family to hear of Rita's passing. So hard no matter when. Our hearts go out to you all. We send LOVE,HUGS N PRAYERS TO EVERYONE! Linda n Donny

Marilyn and Paul kueber

July 17, 2020

Rita, my sister, was the strongest person I have ever known. She raised five wonderful children and was devoted to her family and friends. Her love and caring ways brought joy to everyone around her. I know her loving ways will live on in her children. We send our deepest sympathy to all her family and friends. She will be missed. Marilyn and Paul Kueber

Penny

July 17, 2020

Rita was such an wonderful lady. She played the organ at church services at Edenbrook, she was extremely talented. She loved playing the piano and organ so much that she had a piano in her room at Edenbrook. She took great pride in her family, she always spoke highly of her family members. Sending sympathy and prayers to Rita's family. It was a great honor to meet and become friends with Rita.

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