Rita Mae Meller

Rita Mae Meller, age 82, of Lohman, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday evening, July 23, 2013, at her home. She was born September 20, 1930, in Marys Home, a daughter of Andrew Henry and Gertrude M. Iven Schwaller. On August 16, 1952, at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church in Marys Home, Rita was united in marriage to Clarence W. "Pat" Meller, who survives at their home. She was a 1948 graduate of Eugene High School. Rita was a homemaker, busy raising her two children and helping her husband on the family farm. She enjoyed working in her flower garden, canning, being on the farm, evenings at home watching TV with her husband, but most of all being with her family. She was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church in Russellville. In addition to her husband of 60 years, she is survived by two children and their spouses, Mark and Kathy Meller and Nev and Vernon Higgins all of Lohman; a sister and brother-in-law, Mary Jo and Larry Amos of Oakton, Virginia; two sisters-in-law, Josephine Schwaller of Eugene and Marie Hentges of Jefferson City, and a brother-in-law, Ralph Kirchner of Lohman; five grandchildren, Chris Higgins and wife Tracy of Jefferson City, Shawn Higgins and wife Amanda of Lohman, Cayce Higgins of Jefferson City, Cyrus Meller and Jacob Meller, both of Columbia; three great-grandchildren, Landen and Kennadie Higgins and Gage Higgins-McNail, along with many nieces, nephews, other relative and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Bernard Schwaller Sr.; and a sister, Frances Adrian. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 26, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Russellville with Father Stephen Jones officiating. Interment will be in St. Michael Cemetery in Russellville. A Prayer Service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Thursday, July 25, at St. Michael Catholic Church, with the family receiving friends immediately following the Prayer Service until 8:00 p.m. Memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Michael Building Fund. Arrangements are under the direction of Scrivner-Morrow Service, Russellville. www.scrivner-morrow.com