Rita Persicke

Rita Kay Persicke, age 54 of St. James, passed away Sunday, May 1, 2016, at her residence. Rita was born on October 9, 1961, in Rolla, a daughter to James Southard who survives of St. James and Mary (Happle) Martin who preceded her in death. Rita received her Registered Nursing Degree from Lincoln University in Ft. Leonard Wood. On April 28, 1982, she was united in marriage to Bill Persicke in Willinston, North Dakota.  He survives of the home. Rita was employed at  PCRMC located in Rolla in the Oncology Department. Rita was a member of the Rolla Church of the Nazarene. Rita enjoyed being involved with the Church especially food distribution, crocheting, reading, and watching HGTV.  Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends.   In addition to her spouse of 34 years and her father, Rita is survived by: two children, James Persicke and his wife Alyssa of Rolla and Alara Young and her husband Bob of Abilene, Texas; four grandchildren, Jimmy, Krysta, and Jacob Persicke and Paige Young; two brothers, Dale Southard and his wife Julie of Rolla and Frank Southard and his wife Nancy of St. James; and a large extended family. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, May 4, 2016, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Rolla Church of the Nazarene. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Persicke Family at 16110 State Route BB, St. James, MO  65559.