Rita Margaret Putnam

PUTNAM, SHRADEL, HORA

Posted By: Michael (email)
Date: 10/16/2008 at 16:53:10

Rita Margaret Putnam, 88, formerly of 501 Whiting Avenue, died Thursday, October 9, 2008 at Solon Nursing Care Center following a brief illness.

Rita was born September 8, 1920 in Riverside, Iowa, the daughter of Joseph and Emma (Hora) Shradel. She graduated from Riverside High School and received her B.A. in English from Marycrest College in Davenport, Iowa in 1942.

Rita taught pre-school before she married Charles “Chuck” Putnam on January 8, 1944 in Seattle, Washington. She was a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Mercy Hospital Guild.

Rita loved nature, long walks with Chuck, bird watching, traveling, gardening, camping and canoeing vacations. In earlier years the Putnam summer campout and canoe trip was a family favorite with her children and grandchildren.

She enjoyed wintering on the beaches of Florida and spending time in the fall in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Colorado. She loved family and made every occasion together special, from theme decorating to delicious dinners. She was the “hostess with the mostess”. Rita made every gathering festive.

Rita is survived by her three children, Thomas (Jan) Putnam of Boone, Iowa and their sons, Scott (Debbie) Putnam and Randy Putnam; Susan (Michael) Manternach of Davenport, Iowa and their children, Matt (Lora) and Molly (Dan) Wares; Christopher (Vicky) Putnam and their children Jessica and Zachary Putnam; three great grandchildren, Kyler and Riley Manternach and Edward “Eddie” Wares.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, three sisters and her loving husband Chuck.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Iowa City Hospice or Solon Nursing Care Center.