Zita Diebold

BENTON, Mo. -- Zita Bernice Diebold, 100, of Benton passed away Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Chateau Girardeau Health Center in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Feb. 19, 1918, in Benton to Joseph C. and Coletta S. Essner Diebold.

Zita received her master's degree from Loyola University. Most of her teaching career was in Chicago, where she taught high school social studies. She also taught in Columbus, Ohio.

She was a member of St. Denis Catholic Church in Benton, St. Denis Ladies Sodality, American Legion Ladies Auxiliary in Benton and the Illinois Retired Teachers Association.

Loving survivors include a sister, Gladys Schumacher of Rolla, Missouri; a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews and great-great-nieces and -nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and four brothers, Sylvester, Quentin, James and Francis Diebold.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, with rosary at 11 a.m., Wednesday at St. Denis Catholic Church in Benton.

Funeral Mass will be at noon Wednesday at the church, with the Rev. Bala Swamy Govindu officiating. Burial will follow at St. Denis Catholic Church Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to the St. Denis Catholic School.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.