RITA HESKETT GARNER

Rita Heskett Garner, 83, of Manito, Illinois, died Thursday morning (December 13, 2007) in her home in Manito.

Born October 26, 1924 in Tioga, Rita was the daughter of Lawrence and Mildred Davis Poor. She married John L. Garner in Manito. He survives.

Rita was a supportive and devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother who loved her family and enjoyed her two poodle dog's precious and tiny.

Mrs. Garner was first employed at International Shoe in Quincy and then worked as a nurse at Children's Hospital in Seattle, Washington for many years until her retirement. After her retirement she worked as a bartender at the Gem Hotel.

Survivors include a daughter, Pattie Askins and her husband John of Manito; a step son Gary Garner and his wife Bernice of Quincy, a step daughter, Cheryl Schreyer and her husband Richard of Orlando, FL; six grandchildren, Michael Askins and his wife Elaine of Manito, Robert Askins and his wife Dawn of Manito, John Askins and his wife Michelle of Manito, Heather and Travis Cunningham of Quincy and Michelle Summer and her husband Eddie of Edmonson, Canada; eight step grandchildren, Michael Garner and his wife Becky, Matthew Garner and his wife Brenda, Tia Schreyer, Ryan Schreyer, Donna Griep, Jimmy Knight, Marla Knight and Jeannie Knight; nine great grandchildren, Alaina Askins, Marie Askins, Dallas Askins, Madison Askins, Brady Askins, Aiden Askins, Austin Summers, Brandon Summers and Jordan Summers; four step great grandchildren, Collin, Marissa, Rachel and Tara Garner; a sister June Overstreet and several nieces and nephews.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, a son Michael B. Cunningham, a grandson Michael Cunningham, a brother Leo Householder and a sister Dorothy Householder.

Funeral services will be held Monday afternoon at 2:00 in the Zehender Robinson Stormer Cookson Funeral Home by the Rev. Steve Wagner. Burial will be in Greenmount Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Monday afternoon from 12:30 until the time of the services at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the No Kill Animal Shelter.