Rita Mae Jekel
1930-2021
RITA MAE JEKEL, the matriarch of the Jekel family, slipped peacefully into Gods arms on January 25, 2021. She was surrounded by much love with her daughter Pat and son Joe at her side. She was born in St. Louis Mo. on March 29, 1930 to Edward and Elizabeth Weiss. She was the St. Louis Easter parade Queen and a local model. She met the love of her life Hugh at the city pool as he was lifeguarding. They both knew how lucky they were to have each other and consequently got married on October 14, 1950. They began their family in 1952 with the birth of their first and only daughter Pat Ingram (Darryl) and followed up with six boys. Rich (Kathy), Bob (Christina), Dan, John (Kim), Joe (Mary), and Jimmy. Her family was the joy of her life. Weekend gatherings were always an enjoyable time at the Jekel house. Big reason for this was the grandchildren that Rita and Hugh loved dearly. Laurie and Jay, Greg and Angie, Erin and Mark, De De and Darrell, Nathan, Daniel and Emma, Stephen, Adam and Eliza, Jamie and Riley, Katelyn and Christian, Sarah and Blake, Ashley. Great grandchildren Kendall, Ava, Ethan and Eli, Karissa, Tylie, and Dillon. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Hugh, and two sons Daniel Edward and James Paul. The last few years of her life she looked forward to face time calls, phone calls and personal visits from her children and grandchildren.
She really enjoyed breaking away for parties at Pat and Darryl’s with the rest of the family. Rita and special son Jimmy had a very unique bond and it just so happened they both passed away on January 25, Jimmy in 2008. In Lieu of flowers please consider a donation to either the American Stroke Association, or the Autism Society.
Due to Covid-19, the family will be having a private ceremony at Resurrection Cemetery on Friday and having a Celebration of Life at a later date.