Rita Rose Heinen, 87, of Seneca, Kansas, died Thursday morning, December 25, 2008 at her home surrounded by loving family.

She was born November 8, 1921 in Baileyville, Kansas, the daughter of Bertha (Noll) and John Nolte, Sr. She graduated from Baileyville High School with honors.

She married Albert H. Heinen on November 25, 1941 at Sacred Heart Church in Baileyville. They had nine children. Albert preceded her in death on February 6, 1987.

Rita was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church and St. Ann’s Altar Society in Seneca. She had many friends and enjoyed playing cards with them. She also found great fulfillment working side by side with her husband Albert at their business, Heinen Tractor & Farm Supply (ITCO).

She is survived by five daughters, Karleen (Jerry) Boden of Corning, Sandra (Charles) Stallbaumer of Centralia, Connie (Kenny) Grimm of Sabetha, Debbie (Jim) Zwygart of Meriden and Lori (Mark) Harris of Topeka; three sons, Russell (Jane) Heinen of Meriden, Jim (Linda) Heinen and Randy (Sheryl) Heinen, all of Seneca; a daughter-in-law Janice married to deceased son Richard; one brother, John (Betty) Nolte of Shawnee, Kansas; five sisters, Helen (Aloy) Broxterman of Topeka, Blanche (Cyril) Lackey of Hiawatha, Carmelita (John) Huls of Littleton, Colorado, Doris (Ray) Roeder of Topeka and Donna Mae (Louie) Weaver of Alamo, Texas. Rita was “blessed” with 29 grandchildren, and 40 great-grandchildren with two more due to arrive shortly.

Besides her husband Albert, she was preceded in death by a son Richard; two sisters, Aurelia McElroy and Audrey Stattelman; and two brothers Virgil and Paul Nolte.

Mass of Christian burial will be offered at 11 AM Monday, December 29, at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Seneca. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM Sunday at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorial contributions may be given in Rita’s memory for Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery, or Sts. Peter and Paul Building Fund, or NVCH Healthcare Building Campaign, and sent in care of the family.