Cover photo for Rita Margaret Hammes's Obituary
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1940 Rita 2019

Rita Margaret Hammes

February 24, 1940 — December 23, 2019

Rita Margaret Hammes passed peacefully on Monday, December 23, 2019 with her family by her side.  Rita was born February 24, 1940 in Fairfield, IA, the daughter of the late John and Cecilia Arndt Millane.

Her family and friends were everything to her and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.  Hosting family picnics and get togethers as well as time spent with her dear friends brought her great joy.  She enjoyed Harper dances, every holiday (and decorating for them), sewing, playing the piano and church organ, shopping and scarves.  Rita was one of nine children.

Rita graduated from Fairfield High School in 1957.  Following graduation, she worked at Iowa State Bank (Fairfield) and Farmers Savings Bank (Keota).  She married Gerald Peiffer on September 1, 1963.  He preceded her in death in 1965 and she moved from Keota back to Fairfield.  On June 27, 1970 she married Jim Hammes and resided on a farm north of Fairfield.

She was co-owner of CarRi’s Ltd clothing store bringing kids and teen fashion to the Fairfield town square for many years.  She worked at LW Farm Service in Fairfield for many years.  After that she spent her time caring for her grandkids and family.  Rita was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Fairfield.

To remember her stories and hold her memory close are her husband, Jim; her three children John (Amy) Peiffer, Ann Peiffer, Jeff (Brenda) Hammes; grandchildren JD Peiffer, Julia Peiffer, Sarah Peiffer, Jessica (Wyatt) Cope, Kody (Mikaela) Hammes, Emily Hammes; two great-grandchildren Leah and Colton Cope; her siblings John A Millane, Sr. Pacelli Millane, Ed (Ardelle) Millane, Jim (Marge) Millane as well as her cherished nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to her parents and first husband, she was preceded in death by her siblings Joe Millane, Sr. Jane Francis Millane, Leo Millane, Kathryn Greiner.

Visitation will be Friday, December 27th from 5:00-7:30 p.m. at St. Mary Church. Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m.  Funeral mass will be Saturday, December 28th at 10 am at St. Mary Church with Father Nick Adam officiating.  Luncheon and celebration of Rita’s life will be at St. Mary from11:00-1:00.  Burial will follow at STs Peter and Paul Cemetery in Clear Creek township. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Hospice Compasses of Washington 119 East 2nd St, Washington, IA 52353 or donor’s choice.  Cards and memorials can be sent to Jim Hammes, 1833 165th Street, Fairfield, IA 52556.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Rita Margaret Hammes, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Friday, December 27, 2019

5:00 - 7:30 pm (Central time)

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Rosary

Friday, December 27, 2019

Starts at 7:30 pm (Central time)

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Funeral Mass

Saturday, December 28, 2019

Starts at 10:00 am (Central time)

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