Rita L. Fleshren (nee Pinkston) 69, of O'Fallon, Ill., born January 16, 1956, in St. Louis, Mo., passed away on Sunday, September 7, 2025 at home peacefully surrounded by family. Rita was the daughter of the late Milton and Bertha Pinkston (nee Carr).

She is survived by her husband, James G. Fleshren, whom she married August 27, 1988; her children, Anthony Harp (Kristan) of Shiloh, Ill., Natalie Huffman (Brian) of Shiloh, Ill., and Tyler Fleshren (Coann) of O'Fallon, Ill.; and her beloved grandchildren, Hunter Huffman, Drake Huffman, Tony Harp, Henry Harp, and Aya Fleshren.  Also surviving are her mother-in-law Betty Fleshren; her siblings, Barbara Manjarrez of La Verne, Calif., Ricky Pinkston (Jean) of Hoyleton, Ill., and Michael Pinkston of Cropwell, Ala.; her in-laws: Dennis (Maria) Fleshren, Janice Fraser (Rick Yoch), Cindy (Mark) White, Susan (Dominick) Mahoney, Ann Fleshren, as well as, many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and including a special place in her heart for Michael Harp Jr.

She was preceded in death by her parents, father-in-law, Ralph Fleshren, siblings, Carolyn (Ken) Weber, Linda (Jesse) Vargas, Martha (Tony) Richkas, Milton (Jean) Pinkston, Stanley (Patti) Pinkston, Stevie Pinkston, Lucille (Don Schneider) Compton.

She was raised in the St. Louis area and graduated from St. Theresa Academy. Guided by a deep sense of compassion and a desire to care for others, she pursued nursing studies at Southwestern Illinois College and McKendree University, laying the foundation for a long and meaningful career in healthcare. With over 30 years of dedicated service as a registered nurse, Rita touched the lives of countless patients throughout her career.  In her final 10 years, she extended her impact on the community as the proud owner of Hearing Healthcare Center Inc., providing compassionate and personalized care.

Rita was a devoted wife, a mother to three children, and a proud grandmother to five grandchildren. Her family was the center of her world, and she found great joy in quilting, traveling, reading, and spending time with those she loved most. Rita had the biggest heart and would help anyone in need, without hesitation, and without expecting anything in return. She was her family's loudest cheerleader and fiercest protector. She brought joy and light wherever she went, with her love of music, dancing, and soft spirit. She loved deeply, worked very hard, and cared generously. To know Rita was to be cared for, and to be cared for by her was to feel compassion and strength.

Visitation will take place 5-8 pm, Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 W. Washington St., O'Fallon, Ill.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am, Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 625 St. Nicholas Dr., O'Fallon, Ill., with Fr. Nick Junker presiding. Lunch will be served at the church, immediately following the funeral service. Graveside Service will be at 2:30 pm, at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, Ill.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Nicholas Church and/or Vitas Healthcare (please make checks payable to Vitas Community Connection).  The family extends heartfelt thanks to Father Nick and Donna K. for their ongoing support and compassion, along with Jonathan Jude Reed MD, Joshua Counsell RN, and Colleen Koethe LPN from Vitas Healthcare.

Rita found peace in her faith, especially in the following scripture: "But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you." – Psalm 56:3