Rita T. Frech, nee Schmittling, age 83, of O'Fallon, born August 3, 1938 in Belleville, the youngest of eleven children, passed away June 29, 2022.

Rita worked as a hairdresser while her kids were younger, and later retired from Memorial Hospital where she worked in Central Processing. She was a loyal member of two area card clubs and truly treasured the friends she made while playing cards. Her grandchildren were the light of her life. Rita fought her illness over the past 6 months with true courage, grace, and strength, while relying on her faith to comfort her.

She was preceded in death by her husband Merle "Moe" and her parents Frank and Magdalena Schmittling; her son Michael Zrenner; son-in-law Robin Brewster; and siblings Marie (Frank) Sowinski, Helen Schmittling, Irene (Roy) Weber, Rose (Jim) White, Chuck Schmittling, Dorothy Schmittling, Kenny Schmittling, Fran (Joe) Karfs, George Schmittling and Frank Schmittling.

She is survived by children Rose (Bill) Stock of Belleville, Dottie Brewster of Shiloh, and Dennis Zrenner; grandchildren Bradley (Alyssa) Stock, Elizabeth (Blake) Mask, Bryan Stock, Tyler (Lauren) Schwarz and Austin Brewster; great-grandchildren Slade Stock and Roman Schwarz (due to arrive in August); and sisters-in-law Delrose Schmittling and Marion Schmittling.

Memorial donations are suggested to Hospice of S. Illinois. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.wfh-ofallon.com

Visitation will be from 9 – 10:45 am, Thursday, July 7, 2022 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, O'Fallon, Ill., followed by a Mass to begin at 11 am, Thursday, at the church with Msgr. William J. Hitpas presiding.