Rita Rose Navarra passed away peacefully into the presence of her Savior, Jesus Christ on December 12, 2020. One of her daughters was at her side. Due to COVID 19 restrictions, the other family members could not be there. She had a great devotion to Mary and died on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
She was born on August 11, 1932 in Greensburg, Indiana. She was the daughter of Joseph and Marie (Stier) Zoellner. Rita graduated at the top of her class and was editor of her high school yearbook. She was a beautiful woman with talent and ability to accomplish great accolades for herself. True to her faith, she followed a life of service, giving to her husband Phil, her children, and God.
She married Philip J. Navarra on February 6, 1952 and he preceded her in death on January 23, 1991. She had 11 children. Her son John died hours after birth. She raised 10 children. Her legacy of faith, love, service, and music will continue in the lives of her family.
Her gentle ways and faith touched many lives as a tutor at Washington Elementary and St. Mary’s School. She also blessed many young people as a Religious Education teacher. Her smile lifted many hearts when she was as a greeter at Walmart.
Rita is survived by her children, Cecilia (Tim) McNeal, Phil (Pam) Navarra, Margie (Marvin) Langferman, Marilyn (Alan) Ewer, Kathy Kress, Gina (Neil) Langferman, Vince (Barb) Navarra, Greg (Debbie) Navarra, Tom (Kelly) Navarra, Theresa (John) Panhorst, her sister Marcie Harpring, and nephew Chris Harpring and his family. Rita was preceded in death by her husband Philip J. Navarra, granddaughter Lori Langferman, and son-in-law Don Kress.
A private Mass will be held at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greensburg with Rev. John Meyer officiating and will be broadcast on the funeral home Facebook page on Friday, December 18th at 11:00 a.m. The family requests that memorials be made to the St. Mary’s Catholic Church or Decatur County Right to Life. Plans for a public Celebration of Life will be announced on a later date. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.popfuneralhome.com