Rita Mae Stafford

MADISON – Rita Mae Stafford, age 87, of Madison, WI, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 6, 2023, at St. Mary’s Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Rita’s journey began in 1935 in Milwaukee,WI. She was welcomed by her parents Myrtle & Arnold Burmester. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Robert and Paul; her twin sister, Ruth Ann and bonus sister, Corrine. She loved her lifelong Catholic faith, being a twin and our mother.

Next on her journey was Portage,WI, where Rita and Wilcy enjoyed raising their children, Diana (Al Willett) Stafford, Cheryl (John) Hallock, Julie (Dave) Krauth, Margaret Stafford, Theresa (Gerry Brosch) Stafford, Brian (Jeanette Hernandez) Stafford, Paul Stafford and Scott (Courtney) Stafford. 

It takes a village and Portage provided that for her. While she worked, her passions were spending time with friends from the area (especially from St Mary’s and neighbors from Indian Hills & River St.), curling, camping, boating, crafting, volunteering at St Mary’s, scout leader, her many pets, travel-especially with dear friends Gil and Jean Schwantes, all WI sports, being a Goofy Gabber Club member, keeping up with family friends on social media, her nieces/nephews, and being the family historian.  She valued diversity and inclusion, which may be why she hosted seven exchange students.

Her path then led her to Madison, WI where she enjoyed many great friendships in her neighborhood and church. She also enjoyed frequent visits with her adored grandchildren, Kyle (Katie), Megan (Ben), Katrina (Tom), Karen (Todd), Zachary (Diana), Courtney, Lauren, Erik (Betzaida), Bruce, Sam, Nathan (Danielle), Nicole, Christopher, Zander, and Wilcy. She is further survived by her great grandchildren Dylan,Tobias, Owen, Hannah, Isabella, Traeson, Clayton, Avelina, Nolan, Corbin, Eleanor, Savannah and newborn Coyote, a niece and many nephews.

Rita’s final journey began January 6th. She received an Irish Blessing send off from Fr. Patrick with encouraging words that a mother of eight had an automatic in. She brought us love, laughter, strength, and wisdom. We are comforted in our belief she will be reunited with fellow angels: Wilcy and their sons Paul and Scott, her parents, her siblings, and her sons-in-law Dave Krauth and Steve Smith.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Portage on Saturday, January 14, 2023, with Fr. Gary Krahenbuhl presiding. Inurnment will be held at a later date at St. Mary Cemetery. Visitation will be at Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, January 13, 2023, and on Saturday at the church from 12:00 noon until 12:45 p.m. The eulogy will be read just prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, random acts of kindness are requested or memorials may be sent to a charity of your choice.

Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.