In loving memory of

Rita Maloney
March 11, 2006

Loreta Maxine "Rita" Maloney, one of eight children of Launa Mae (Winchester) and William Edgar Simmons, was born at her parent's home in Silver City, Iowa on August 10, 1932.
Rita grew up in the Southwestern Iowa communities of Henderson, Macedonia, and Conway where she graduated as Valedictorian from the Conway High School in 1951.
On December 21, 1952, Rita and Charles James "Jim" Maloney were married in Conway, Iowa. They made their first home on Rita's parent's farm in Conway and later moved to Silver City where they lived with Jim's parents until purchasing their current home. Rita and Jim's marriage was blessed with their son Charles Michael "Mike" Maloney and the family were active members of the Silver City United Methodist Church.
Rita worked at the Glenwood State Hospital School in Glenwood, Iowa for 12 years and then enrolled in the nursing program at Iowa Western Community College. She graduated with her LPN in 1970 and then worked as the Charge Nurse at the Nishna Cottage Care Center in Malvern, Iowa until her retirement in 1994.
Rita was a member of the Silver City United Methodist Women, the Order of Eastern Star, and the American Legion Auxiliary. Rita and Jim enjoyed playing county music. Rita sang and played the mandolin, banjo, dobra, and tinnier guitar while Jim played the washtub base. They performed in music festivals all over the country and are responsible for the development of the Mills County Country Music Festival held in Malvern each year. Rita also enjoyed crafts and made several afghan quilts. She enjoyed collecting dolls and jewelry- especially ear rings.
Rita and Jim had been married 53 years when Rita died at the Select Specialty Hospital in Papillion, Nebraska on March 11, 2006 at the age of 73 years, 7 months, and 1 day. She was preceded in death by her parents; two infant sisters; sisters Edith Simmons and Lavona Mae Ortman; and brothers Bill Simmons, Everett Simmons, and Max Simmons.
Rita is survived by her husband Jim Maloney of Silver City, IA; son Mike Maloney and his wife Julie of Council Bluffs, IA; sister-in-law Barb Simmons of Reynolds, ND; nephew Kenneth Simmons of Las Vegas, NV; niece Nancy Gail Kelly and her husband Barry of Larimore, ND; and many friends.

Tributes

mike wrote on Sep 19, 2006:

"i want to bone u"

Steve & Darlene Kehler wrote on Mar 16, 2006:

"Dear Jim: We are so sad to hear that Rita has left this life. We will truly miss her beautiful smile, her lavish hats, her special friendship, and her fabulous musical abilty. What a very special "lady". Musical gatherings will not be the same without her. May you find peace within you at this most difficult time."

annie and bob avery wrote on Mar 15, 2006:

"Jim, we were so sorry to hear of your loss. We all loved Rita. She was one beautifl lady"

annie and bob avery wrote on Mar 15, 2006:

"Jim, we were so sorry to hear of your loss. We all loved Rita. She was one beautifl lady"

annie avery wrote on Mar 15, 2006:

""

paulette mayfield wrote on Mar 15, 2006:

"Gary and Paulette from Villa Vinee Apts send our deepest regrets."

Rod and Carol Wakefield wrote on Mar 14, 2006:

"Our sincerest sympathy goes out to you, Jim, and your son. We have wonderful memories of our time spent with you at your home 2 summers ago. I'll cherish those tea towels she gave me and the time we spent jamming together, doing crossword puzzles, and going to yard sales. We'll never forget Rita and you for welcoming us so openly. It was an honor to have known Rita. "

Francis Hahn wrote on Mar 13, 2006:

"Jim, we are sorry to hear that Rita has passed. I will forever remember how she loved to sing harmony with everyone and was so gracious as to ask me to sing with her on many occasions. She was a real trouper and someone to always hold dear. We send our love to you Jim and our sincerest sympathies."

Max and wrote on Mar 13, 2006:

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Max and Ramona Weeks wrote on Mar 13, 2006:

" Such a shock....wish we could be there to offer you our sympathy and condolences....she was a friend to all and her talent in helping others will go on forever...Her spirit will always live on....Again, so sorry..."

Loess Hills Funeral and Cremation Center wrote on Mar 13, 2006:

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Max and Ramona Weeks wrote on Mar 13, 2006:

" Such a shock to all of us down here....she was a friend to all and especiallly the music fans and participants....she helped so many and her spirit we go on forever....will never forget your gracious hospitality.....Our thoughts are with you Jim and your family....God bless..."

Brad Michael wrote on Mar 13, 2006:

"I am sorry to hear of Rita's passing. My grandma, Helen Kahl, always spoke highly of her and Jim. My thoughts are with the family as they go through this difficult time."

Tom and Candi Rivers wrote on Mar 12, 2006:

"WE SURELY WILL MISS "THE FOX". SUCH A BEAUTIFUL LADY AND SPECIAL FRIEND. YOUR HOUSE WAS ALWAYS OPEN TO ALL MUSICIANS AND FOR THIS WE WILL FOREVER BE GRATEFUL. ALL THE FUN THE FOOD AND THE MUSIC, WE COULD NEVER REPLACE YOU NO NEED TO TRY. OUR HEARTS ARE HEAVY FOR JIM AND SON. WHAT A LOSS TO EVERYONE SHE EVER TOUCHED. SING BEAUTIFUL IN HEAVEN UNTIL I GET THERE TO JOIN IN. WE'LL NEVER FORGET YOU..."

Tom and Candi Rivers wrote on Mar 12, 2006:

"So sorry to hear of your great loss. You have many friends here in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas. If there is anything we can do or any way we can help please don't hesitate to ask. It was a great honor to have known and loved Rita Maloney. God Blessed us with a wonderful friend. We will miss her very much."

BILL AND MARY DAVIS wrote on Mar 11, 2006:

" WE WILL MISS "THE FOX" VERY MUCH. HAVE BEEN TO A LOT OF GOOD "DOWN TO EARTH" MUSIC JAMS IN YOUR YARD THERE IN SILVER CITY. THANK YOU FOR MAKING US ALL WELCOMED. LOVE YOUR HARMONY. WAS ALWAYS HAPPY TO HELP(?)YOU OUT ON THE SONG, "THAT LITTLE GIRL OF MINE." YOU WERE ALWAY THERE TO HELP BILL OUT. THE FIRST TIME HE SANG WAS WHEN WE WERE ALL AT FREMONT, NEBRASKA. SITTING OUTSIDE BY YOUR CAMPER. THANKS TO YOU. "