Rita Kathleen Stephens-Smith

Rita Kathleen Smith (nee Stephens) passed away peacefully with her children at her side at Loyola Medical Center on Saturday, March 4, 2023 after a lengthy illness.

She was born to Robert and Alice (nee Murphy) Stephens on January 9, 1970 in Evergreen Park, Illinois, the tenth of eleven children. She was a 1988 graduate of Peotone High School and worked many years managing Brian’s Place Restaurant in Monee.

Rita is survived by her best friend and partner Greg Mitchell.  She was the loving and proud mother of Brendan Smith and Hannah Smith (Richard Perdue), and a dog mom to Cookie.  She is also survived by her beloved mother, Alice Stephens; her cherished siblings: Bob, Allison, Matt, Monica, Jeanne, Mary, Meg, Dan, Marty, and Andy; and her former husband Brad Smith.  She was an aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Rita was preceded in death by her father, Robert Stephens.

Rita will be remembered for her generosity, quick wit and her love of reading. We were always entertained by her stories and her hilarious sense of humor. Her smile would light up a room. The family affectionately called her the “Mayor of Monee” because she knew everyone. Any time you needed something done, whether plumbing, electrical, snowplowing…she “knew a guy.”

Dad always said Rita was the strongest person he knew. She powered through many hospital stays and procedures when most people would have given up. She handled her illness with grace and humor. She will be greatly missed by those who were lucky enough to know her.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. Memorial visitation / service will be held on Thursday, March 9^th, from 4 – 8 PM at Skyline Memorial Park Chapel, 24800 S. Governors Highway, Monee.  All are asked to meet at St. Boniface Church, 5304 W. Main Street, Monee on Friday, March 10th for a 1:00 PM Memorial Mass. Private interment at the family cemetery at a later date. Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guestbook and leave a condolence message at www.midwestmortuary.com Info. 708-534-8256 or 708-478-3546.