Laurentius, Rita 83, of Maryland Heights, MO, died peacefully on Friday, January 12, 2024.

Beloved wife of Robert "Pee Wee" Laurentius; mother to Rhonda (Ken) Shields, Rebecca (John) Nicholas, Rodeny (Stephanie) Laurentius; dear sister to Glennon, Barbara, Jody, Ernest and Bernard; dear grandmother to Michele, RJ, Alyssa, Morgan, Michael, Mark, Matthew, Macy, Leah, Claire, Alea, and Alec; dear great grandmother to Addilyn, Mina, Emmerie, London, and Hailey.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband Pee Wee , her first born son Randy, and all of her siblings.

She was born in Perry County, MO on December 29, 1940. After losing her mother at a young age, Rita was cared for by several relatives in Missouri and Indiana. She was schooled at Ursuline Academy in Arcadia, MO, and after graduating, moved to St. Louis with her lifelong friend Tootie and began working as a bookkeeper.

Rita met Pee Wee at Scotty's dance hall in Perryville, MO They were married on November 28th, 1964 and spent time at Fort Benning, GA. while Peewee served in the military.  They later moved to Maryland Heights, MO where they raised their children and spent the remainder of their lives. Rita was a member of St. Blaise/Holy Spirit parish in Maryland Heights where she was active in many ministries and feeding people at the parish's annual carnival, monthly bingos,  fish fries, 50's dances and the bereavement committee. She was affectionately  known as the "Pie Baker to the priests." After battling Alzheimer's disease, she died of natural causes at NHC nursing home in Maryland Heights, MO.

Rita loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren, her friends, baking, flowers, playing cards, and water aerobics. She will be missed by her family and friends.

Visitation Tuesday, January 16, 4:00 - 8:00 PM at Collier's Funeral Home, 3400 N. Lindbergh Blvd (St. Ann). Visitation Wednesday, January 17, 9:00 AM until time of Funeral Mass, 10:00 AM at Holy Spirit Church, 3130 Parkwood Ln (Maryland Heights). Private interment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.