Schwake, Rita's Obituary
Rita Ann (Braddy, Hughes), Schwake 8/16/37- 8/10/24
Rita was born and raised in Mt Vernon Illinois to Ferman and Mary Francis Braddy. She was the 4th of 7 children (all of whom have preceded her in death).
After graduating from Mt. Vernon high school, she attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale for a short time prior to moving to Decatur where she met and married R.D. Hughes and had two sons, Bart and Matt.
After divorcing from R.D., she met and married Norm Schwake in 1989 and stayed with him until his death in 2005. Later she met her partner Butch Seltzer and stayed with him until his death.
Her last 6 years were spent in assisted living after suffering a severe stroke. She loved music, dancing, gardening and quilting.
She is survived by her sons Bart and Matt Hughes, granddaughters Autumn Hughes, Sophia, Jordan, Alyssa Ware and several nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held on Friday August 23,2024 from 3-5pm at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home.
In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.
Graceland Fairlawn is handling the arrangements.
What’s your fondest memory of Rita?
What’s a lesson you learned from Rita?
Share a story where Rita's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Rita you’ll never forget.
How did Rita make you smile?