Rita Marie (Groner) Otto

Rita Marie (Groner) Otto, age 89, of St. Thomas, passed away on Monday, September 10, 2018, at Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City. She was born in St. Thomas on February 27, 1929, daughter of the late Simon Henry and Christine (Wieberg) Groner. On October 5, 1949, in St. Thomas, Rita married Victor John Otto, who preceded her in death on June 17, 2015. Rita was known for making the most delicious chocolate chip cookies. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who will be missed by all who were blessed to know her. Rita volunteered at the St. Elizabeth Care Center and was a devoted member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in St. Thomas and St. Ann's Sodality. She is survived by seven children: Virginia Holtmeyer and husband Roman of Meta, Leroy Otto and wife Linda of Meta, Norman Otto and wife Vallie Don of St. Thomas, Jeanette Goeller and husband Andrew of St. Thomas, Douglas Otto and wife Karen of St. Thomas, David Otto and wife Sara of St. Thomas, Michael Otto and wife Cheri of St. Thomas; son-in-law, Daniel Holtmeyer of St. Anthony; 21 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; five step-great-grandchildren; one sister, Odelia Schmidt; and three brothers, Raymond, Clem, and Art Groner. In addition to her parents and husband, Victor Otto, she was also preceded in death by her daughter, Viola Holtmeyer, and two grandchildren, Tammy Lynn Holtmeyer and Francie Don Otto. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 13, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in St. Thomas with Rev. Mark Porterfield officiating. Interment will be held in St. Thomas Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., with prayer service officiated by Fr. Jeremy Secrist at 3:30 p.m., on Wednesday, September 12, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in St. Thomas. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Rita Otto Memorial Fund. Arrangements are under the direction of Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in Meta. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.fancher-rekusfuneralhomes.com.