DeFOREST

On Sunday, April 16 -- Easter morning -- Rita "LaVerne" Lovicott, age 94, passed away peacefully at her home in DeForest.

Rita was born in Pittsburgh, PA on January 2, 1923. She married the love of her life, Frank, on April 10, 1948. They made DeForest their home -- Rita had always wondered how Frank talked the "city girl" into moving into rural Wisconsin. The two had been married for 61 years when Frank passed away in 2009 -- she has missed him so very much since then.

Rita was a devoted mother to her four children. She worked briefly at Burnstad's in DeForest and then eventually made her way to Schultz's Market, where she worked many years. She talked often of her fond memories while working in the deli and meat department at Schultz's -- she and Marion Schultz were always laughing together and up to something! She cherished her friendships, co-workers, and customers -- which lasted her entire life. She took great pride in her work there.

As many people know, Rita always was sharing stories. Even after 94 years, her humor and wit was infectious. Rita was also a fabulous cook and always had plenty of food for family gatherings. She's famous in her family for her giant Thanksgiving turkeys, chocolate milkshakes, and never allowing anyone to leave the house hungry. She loved her family so much -- especially her grandchildren.

Rita "LaVerne" is survived by her three children; Frank Jr. "Tip" (Yvonne) Lovicott, Kathy (Mike) Zimmermann, and Greg (Terri) Lovicott. She is also survived by her son in law, Ron Asher; her eight grandchildren, Marc and Brad Lovicott, Jennifer (Dave) Lippitt, Brandon Zimmermann, Kasey and Katie Lovicott, and Elizabeth and Natalie Asher; two great grandchildren, Ben and Charlee Lippitt; and many other extended family members and friends. Rita touched so many lives.

Rita is preceded in death by her husband Frank; her loving daughter, Sandy Asher; her parents, Harry & Marcella Hines; brothers Harry Jr. and Robert Hines; and sister Jackie Conwell.

We have so many memories of family gatherings, holidays, July 4th and Minocqua vacations. You will be so very missed -- however, our comfort is that you are now pain-free and with family members you have missed dearly since their passing. A special thank you to her friends that visited weekly and the wonderful staff at Artisan Assisted Living. Thanks also to the staff at Agrace Hospice for their comfort and care over the last month. The family cannot thank you all enough.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, April 21, 2017, at ST. OLAF CATHOLIC CHURCH, 623 Jefferson St., DeForest with Fr. Vincent Brewer presiding. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday from 1 p.m. until the time of Mass. Burial will follow at St. Olaf Cemetery in DeForest. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Olaf Catholic Church.

Ryan Funeral Home

& Cremation Services

Windsor/DeForest Chapel

6924 Lake Road

608-845-6625

Rita Lovicott

January 02, 1923 - April 16, 2017

Share memories of Rita