Rita Luscher

Rita Faye Luscher, 80, of Gordon, died Saturday, July 20, 2019, at home.

Rita was born to Rufus Harry and Orva Evelyn (Whitson) Roberts on August 12, 1938.  She was the fourth child of six: Ruth, Alice and Rob to later be joined by Virginia and Glen.  They lived on a farm just outside of Waterman, IL where she grew up.

Rita attended grade school and high school in Waterman.  While in high school Rita was a cheerleader and the Wolverine Mascot, she graduated in the spring of 1956.  Rita started her college education in Normal, IL.  Then she stopped that education to marry the love of her life, Fred A. Luscher, in December of 1956.

Fred had been widowed with three young children, which Rita helped raise.  In November of 1957 Fred and Rita had their first daughter.  To this union three more girls were born completing their family of seven.

Fred and Rita made their home in Waterman, IL.  Rita stayed at home with the kids; baby sat for many others and took college classes in the early years.  Fred bought a gas station in 1965.  Rita did the books, watched the office and pumped gas. (A proud moment for us girls---this was long before women’s lib)

In 1969 Fred, Rita and the four younger girls moved to the Gale ranch south of Nenzel, NE.  Upcoming high school for the girls brought the family to Gordon, NE in 1972.

Rita worked various jobs here in town to help support the family.  In 1978 she started work at Gordon Memorial Hospital and remained there until she retired in 2003.  Rita took pride in all the jobs she held.

In her more active years Rita loved to read, dance, bowl, play cards and always loved music, singing in a few local cantatas and choirs.  In her younger days Rita sang for many weddings, funerals and church services.  In Waterman she was known for her beautiful voice.

Rita loved animals great and small, many a Sunday night you could catch her sharing a bag of popcorn with Katie (her dog and partner in crime).

Summer highlights were going to Crawford to the plays and swim aerobics, which were so important to her since she didn’t learn to swim until she was in her 20’s.  Rita especially enjoyed watching the Nebraska Huskers.  She watched every game she could whether it be Football, Volleyball or Women’s and Men’s Basketball.

Rita was a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary, a volunteer EMT and also volunteered a few summers to read to the children at the public library.

Rita was a member of the St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.  She taught Sunday school in Waterman and Gordon.  She completed her education for Ministry through the Episcopal Church.  Rita’s faith sustained her for her entire life.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents Rufus & Evelyn Roberts, husband Fred A. Luscher, sisters Ruth, Alice, Virginia, grandson Shawn Pourier, and granddaughter Miranda Marshall.

Survivors include son Fred B. (Dina) Luscher of Granville, IL, Daughters Lorraine Dodd of rural Missouri, Rena DeWeese, Lana Luscher, Cosette (Jim) Marshall, Lisa Luscher all of Gordon and April Smith of Chadron, NE.  Brothers Rob (Betty) Roberts of Grand Haven, MI, Glen (Patricia) Roberts of Sycamore, IL, 18 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.