Rita M. Watring (1930-2018)

Rita M. Watring, 87, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, passed away peacefully at home on November 8, 2018 with family at her side.

Rita was born December 13, 1930, the daughter of John and Leona Schnaufer of Kenosha, Wisconsin. As a child, Rita loved the outdoors, fishing with her father, playing baseball, ice skating, skiing and riding her bike. She began working at 15 years at St Catherine’s Hospital in the kitchen. During her last year in high school she worked as a ‘soda jerk’ at Mayer Drugstore where she would recall being scolded by Mr. Mayer for putting too much hot fudge in the sundaes.

Rita graduated from Mary D. Bradford High school in 1948. After high school, she worked for J.C. Penney for three years and then, the United States Navy for 7 years. After raising her children, Rita worked as a real estate broker where she worked with the client’s needs foremost over any financial gain.

Rita was a member of the Catholic Junior League, Golf Leagues, Ski Clubs and Kenosha Art Association.

On July 7, 1956, she married the love of her life, Roy Watring. In September 1959 they welcomed the first of their six children. Rita has had many wonderful years of family! Trips to the cabin in Phelps, Wi, picnics at South Port beach, camping and numerous winter ski trips to northern Wisconsin, Michigan and Colorado. With 8 family members and a friend or two in the van, the summer canoe became a ski rack. Loaded with skis and gear for 8-10 people-it was quite a site! But it was easy to find in the parking lot!

Family was the center of Rita’s world. She hosted many family gatherings for extended family and has cut countless birthday cakes for her six children.

Rita is survived by her husband Roy of 62 years. Her children: Mark Watring, Christopher (Susan) Watring, Carolyn (Espen) Magnussen, Janis (Thomas) Barnhill, John (Rowena) Watring, Amy (Ryan) Shackelford. Grandchildren: Franklin Petretti-Watring, David Petretti Watring, Joseph Watring, Jade Watring, Aaron Glembocki, Phillip Magnussen, Gabriella Magnussen, Leo Magnussen, Andrew Barnhill, Nicholas Barnhill, Jason Barnhill, Zachary Watring, Andria Watring, Brynna Watring, Cloey Watring, William Shackelford and Charles Shackelford. Great-grandchildren: Franchesca Petretti-Watring, Ava Barnhill, Hailey Glembocki and A.J. Glembocki.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Rita will be held at 11:30 A.M. on Monday, November 12, 2018 at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church (4816 – 7th Avenue) with interment to follow at St. George Cemetery. A visitation with the family will take place on Monday at the church from 9:30 A.M. until the time of Mass. In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances to Aurora at Home Hospice or The Shalom Center would be appreciated.