Rita Hammes

RITA MARGARET HAMMES

Fairfield

Rita Margaret Hammes passed peacefully Monday, Dec. 23, 2019, with her family by her side. Rita was born Feb. 24, 1940, in Fairfield, Iowa, the daughter of the late John and Cecilia Arndt Millane.

Her family and friends were everything to her and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Hosting family picnics and get-togethers as well as time spent with her dear friends brought her great joy. She enjoyed Harper dances, every holiday (and decorating for them), sewing, playing the piano and church organ, shopping and scarves. Rita was one of nine children.

Rita graduated from Fairfield High School in 1957. Following graduation, she worked at Iowa State Bank (Fairfield) and Farmers Savings Bank (Keota). She married Gerald Peiffer on Sept. 1, 1963. He preceded her in death in 1965. She moved from Keota back to Fairfield. On June 27, 1970, she married Jim Hammes and resided on a farm north of Fairfield.

She was co-owner of CarRi's Ltd. clothing store bringing kids and teen fashion to the Fairfield town square for many years. She worked at LW Farm Service in Fairfield for many years. After that she spent her time caring for her grandkids and family. Rita was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Fairfield.

To remember her stories and hold her memory close are her husband, Jim; her three children, John (Amy) Peiffer, Ann Peiffer and Jeff (Brenda) Hammes; grandchildren, JD Peiffer, Julia Peiffer, Sarah Peiffer, Jessica (Wyatt) Cope, Kody (Mikaela) Hammes and Emily Hammes; two great-grandchildren, Leah and Colton Cope; her siblings, John A Millane Sr., Pacelli Millane, Ed (Ardelle) Millane and Jim (Marge) Millane; as well as her cherished nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to her parents and first husband, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Joe Millane Sr., Jane Francis Millane, Leo Millane and Kathryn Greiner.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27, at St. Mary Church. Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, at the church with Father Nick Adam officiating. Luncheon and celebration of Rita's life will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church. Burial will follow at St. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Clear Creek township. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Hospice Compasses of Washington, 119 E. Second St., Washington, IA 52353, or donor's choice. Cards and memorials can be sent to Jim Hammes, 1833 165th St., Fairfield, IA 52556.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.behnerfh.com.