Obituaries

Rita Joyce Wiser

Photo of Rita Joyce Wiser
Rita Joyce Wiser, 85, of Jefferson City, passed away Tuesday, April 6, 2021, at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital. She was born May 10, 1935, near Russellville, Missouri, to Herbert W. and Ruby Anna (Scott) Wiser. Rita was saved and baptized at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Russellville, Mo. It was there that she served many years in the nursery because of her love for little children. She later joined Concord Baptist Church, Jefferson City, Mo., where she faithfully attended her Sunday School class and senior citizen activities. Rita liked to share her faith with others. She asked many people if they knew Jesus and was dismayed that many did not even know who he was. She regularly listened to the Bible from beginning to end with the help of the Bible on cassette tapes. She was a very joyful person and enjoyed a variety of activities, most of all spending time with her family and friends. Many people will remember her by a gift she gave them in the form of a crocheted dishrag, bookmark, or Christmas tree decoration. She kept her hands busy with yarn or passed the time with word searches. In her younger days, she enjoyed cooking and would take great pride in making the yearly Christmas tree cake. She lived a simple yet very full life centered around church and family. Rita is survived by one sister, Sonya Baysinger; and one sister-in-law, Saundra Wiser, both of Jefferson City. Also surviving are three nephews, five nieces, and their families as well as several cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Carol Sue Shikles; one brother, Gary K. Wiser; and two brothers-in-law, Bob Baysinger and James Lee Shikles. Visitation will be Sunday, April 18, from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Concord Baptist Church, Jefferson City, with the memorial service following at 2:00 p.m. with Dr. Monte Shinkle officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to The Gideons International. A private family burial will be held.

Published April 11, 2021