Buckeye, Arizona - Rita Jean Abels, of Buckeye, Arizona, passed from this life on December 1, 2020 at the age of 91 years after a long battle with Alzheimer's. She retained her sparkle for life, her ability to smile, and her love of welcoming each new day with a kiss for her loved ones. Born on July 13, 1929, on the family farm outside of Sheldon, Iowa, she was welcomed as the first daughter to Vetus and Agnes McCarty. She was baptized on July 21, 1929 and confirmed in October of 1939 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Sheldon.

On January 21, 1950, Rita Jean McCarty married Robert (Bob) Abels of Sibley, Iowa in St. Patrick Catholic Church. Jean and Bob started their married life in a tear drop trailer on the Abels family farm just outside of Sibley and quickly started their family. Her faith supported her through the loss of their first infant son, Dennis Eugene. As life changed in Sibley, three more sons were born to the family, followed by the loss of another infant son, Kenneth Allen. Moving to LeMars, Iowa, brought the addition of three daughters to the growing family. Career opportunities for Bob, moved the family to Buckeye, Arizona, in Feb 1962. In 1964, a third infant son, Dennis Allen, was taken to the Lord followed by his little brother, Robert Eugene, Jr, in 1965.

As a mother of six, Rita Jean joined the work force in 1967 at Buckeye Industries Beam Corporation. She worked in a variety of capacities at the garment factory but her favorite was in the factory store where she could chat with whoever walked through the door. After 30 years of employment, the factory doors closed and she retired, turning her energy to grandchildren and volunteering. Already active in St. Henry Catholic Church choir, with many referring to her as the 'hat lady' as she had many hats for many occasions, she became a Eucharistic minister. Through St Henry, she served seven years in prison ministry at the Buckeye juvenile detention center where she enjoyed playing cards and laughing the young people.

No one can think about Rita Jean without remembering her smile, her love of life and God, or her bread. She faithfully made bread every week for her family and it truly was faithful as she prayed as she kneaded.

Rita Jean was proceeded in death by her husband Robert Abels and their four infant sons; Dennis E., Kenneth, Dennis A., and Robert Jr. She is survived by her children Duane (Candice), Michael (Robin), James (Josie), Donna (Arcey) Bowman, Diana (Francisco) Bonilla and Josephine (Andrew Spencer) Abels. She was proceeded in death by 6 brothers and 1 sister and is survived by 2 sisters, Patricia Rodkewich and Peggy (Bob) Naughton. She also leaves behind 19 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren with another great-grandchild on the way.

Donations can be made to St Henry's Catholic Church building fund and/or Alzheimer's Association.