Services
Obituary
Rita Joan (Ramsten) Scanlan, age 93, of Brookfield, Illinois, passed away peacefully in her home on November 16, 2024 after a long illness. She was born in Chicago, Illinois to Edward and Victoria Ramsten but the family moved to Brookfield when she was in her teens.
Rita graduated from Riverside-Brookfield High School and met the love of her life, Al Scanlan, in a youth group at her church in Chicago. They married on December 2 of 1950 and purchased their home in Brookfield where they have lived since then. Rita began her career in banking but gave it up to stay home and raise her 3 daughters. Once her youngest started school, Rita took the job of School Secretary at Hollywood School in Brookfield. She spent the next 21 years shepherding students, parents and teachers through each school year, giving her signature smile to everyone who passed through the office doors until her retirement in 1989. Rita and Al then took off to see the world, traveling extensively and having adventures in the retirement for as long as they could.
Rita was always a woman of strong faith, who loved her family, her church, her friends and always willing to help others. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church of LaGrange for over 70 years and spent many hours volunteering and working on staff. Rita loved to cook and her favorite thing was having her home filled with family and friends, gathered around the table sharing laughter, stories and memories. Whenever possible, she also liked to spend some quiet time with her knitting and reading.
Rita is survived by her loving husband of 74 years, Al Scanlan. She was a wonderful mother to her daughters, Deb (Don) Walter, Beth (Allen Van Note) Scanlan and the late Kathy (Carl) Sahlhoff; doting grandmother to Kira (Wes) Gilbertson, Joseph Sahlhoff, Brian (Michelle Brewer) Walter, Andy (Gabi) Walter and Grace Van Note; proud and joyful great-grandmother to Corbin, Cadence, Coralynn Gilbertson and Elliana Walter.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 11:00am at Grace Lutheran Church of LaGrange, 200 N. Catherine Ave, LaGrange, Il 60525. Visitation will take place that day beginning at 10:00 am until the time of the Service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Grace Lutheran Church in Rita’s memory. The service may also be attend virtually via the church’s website: www.gracelutheran-lg.org
Arrangements by Hitzeman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 9445 31st St., Brookfield, IL 60513. Information at 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com.
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