Rita Gessert

HOUSTON -- Rita Marie Gessert, born May 15, 1935, passed away Monday, April 23, 2018 in Houston, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Buck Grove, Iowa, and raised in Dennison, Iowa. She married her loving husband, Eugene "Gene" Gessert, July 21, 1956, and they raised their family in Cape Girardeau, where her love and dedication to her family was her greatest joy. Gene and Rita later moved to Houston to be closer to daughters and family.

Rita was a devout Catholic, who was selfless in her actions by always thinking of other's needs before her own. Most of all, she was a devoted wife, a dedicated mom to her children and a loving grandmother to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her two sons, Bob (Lise') Gessert and Kelly (Ann) Gessert; two daughters, Lori (Mark) Meador and Stacey (Daryl) Downs; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a sister, Teresa Zeller; and a brother, Tony (Paulette) Mechura.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 59 years, Gene Gessert.

A memorial Mass was held April 26 at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church in Houston.