Rita Berry

December 1, 1934 ~ December 10, 2024

Loretta "Rita" M. Berry, 90, of Waterloo, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, surrounded by her family.

Rita was born on December 1, 1934, in Lincoln, Nebraska the daughter of Gertrude (Fellows) and Henry Emken, Jr. She graduated from Waterloo East High School in 1952. From 1952-1963, Rita worked as a teller at the National Bank of Waterloo. On September 12, 1969, Rita married David L. Berry, Sr. She worked at Dianne's children's clothing store at Crossroads Mall from 1982-1986.

The "Love of her Employment" Life was when she began working at the Homestead House. She oversaw the purchasing and management of the greeting card section of the store, along with general store obligations. Rita worked at Homestead House from 1986 until the store closed in December 2012. Anyone who knew Rita knew that one of her biggest passions was sending and receiving greeting cards. She amassed a personal collection of hundreds of greeting cards at her house. If someone's pet passed away, Rita had a card. If an uncommon event occurred in someone's life, Rita likely had an appropriate card or two. She also volunteered her time at Covenant Hospital in Waterloo for nearly 5 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dave; her parents, Henry Emken Jr. and Gertrude Madaris, and stepfather, Robert Madaris; sister, Nancy Rigdon; and brother-in-law, Dick Rigdon.

Rita is survived by her four children, David G. (Michelle) Berry of Cape Coral, FL, Daniel L. (Sheila) Berry of Alexandria, VA, Judy (Mike) Poland of Cedar Falls, and Jody (Mark) Knebel of Bondurant; half-brother, Vernon (Florence) Emken of Round Rock, TX; stepsons, David L. (Debra) Berry Jr. of Tulsa, OK, Bruce (Cindy) Berry of Cedar Falls, and Todd (Pam) Berry of Denver, CO; and 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave, Waterloo.

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at Unity Presbyterian Church, 1149 Hammond Ave, Waterloo. Burial to follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery-Waterloo.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Cedar Valley Hospice and Unity Presbyterian Church.

Locke at Tower Park is serving the family. Please visit lockefuneralservices.com to offer your condolences.