Rita Stiegelmeier was born July 17, 1947 in Britton, SD to Neil and Edythe (DeYoung) Stiegelmeier. She grew up on the family farm near Britton, where she was one of 11 children. She attended all her schooling in Britton and graduated from Britton High School.

Following graduation Rita moved to the Black Hills to work at a resort. While living in the Hills she met Joseph Warren and they were married on August 24, 1969. They were blessed with two children, Ken and Gail. They made their home in Clifton, NJ but for the last few years they have lived in Sussex, NJ with their son. Rita had various jobs throughout the years outside the home, but her main joy was maintaining a home for her family. Rita had several sheep she lambed and even made little sweaters to keep the babies warm.

Rita was creative and loved doing anything related to crafts. She was handy and could fix just about anything. Many of her family members were gifted Christmas ornaments that she handmade, and she always made sure to include her nieces and nephews on special gifts. Family was important to her and she looked forward to coming back to South Dakota in the summer for family reunions. In her free time she enjoyed crocheting and gardening. She had a large collections of Precious Moments keepsakes.

Rita passed away February 1, 2024 in Sussex, NJ at the age of 76.

She is survived by her husband, Joseph; her son, Ken; her daughter, Gail Warren and husband, Ron Bertot; three brothers, Rick (Bernie) Stiegelmeier, Roger (Laurie) Stiegelmeier and Jan (Anita) Stiegelmeier; four sisters, Adyle (Cal) Cooper, Connie (Bob) Emerson, Cindy Stiegelmeier, and Dawn (David) Smith; brother-in-law, Val Hilzendeger, and sister-inlaw, Cathy Stiegelmeier.

Preceding her in death were her parents; sisters, Deanna Hilzendeger, and Vicky Fisher; brother, Kim Stiegelmeier; and nephew: Alex Smith An online guestbook and obituary are available at www. olsonfuneralchapel.com