Rita S. May

Rita S. May September 19, 1928 - May 3, 2022 Rita May, of Cuba, Missouri was born on September 19, 1928, in Taos, Missouri to Alexander and Fronie Lauf. She left from this life at her home with family by her side on Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at the of age 93. She married the love of her life, Joe N. May, in 1952, and they devotedly raised their own five children and Joe's cousin. As her children grew up, Rita spent countless hours volunteering at All Souls Catholic and Our Redeemer Lutheran schools in Overland, MO. In the seventies, the family project was building a home on Indian Lake in Cuba, MO. It was a labor of love that spanned several years and included plenty of time for water sports and entertaining family and friends. Rita and Joe retired there in 1983. In Cuba, Rita again put her talents to work at Holy Cross Catholic Church and school; she was lovingly nicknamed St. Rita by her church family. Rita's love of reading prompted her to set up libraries at All Souls and Holy Cross. Making jigsaw puzzles was one of her favorite pastimes. Love of travel brought her to every state except Michigan. Those who knew her well will chuckle when they remember her wit and sense of humor. Rita is preceded in death by her parents, loving husband, and daughter-in-law, Betty. In addition, all of her siblings and most of their spouses preceded her Kathleen (Cyril) Kuttenkuler, Harold (Grace) Lauf, Joan (Pat) Nacy, and Leah O Leah. Those who are left to treasure her memory and continue her legacy are her six children, Alexander May, David (Carol) May, Kathryn (John) Lichtenberg, Jim (Kathleen) Graves, Daniel May, Sarah May, and brother-in-law, Bob Schwartz. Rita was blessed with seven grandchildren Aimee, Matthew, Mitchel, Melissa, Jamie, Charles, Katrina, and six great-grandchildren, Adriana, Murray, Nova, Avett, Dylan, and Charlotte. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, May 6, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church 415 W. School St. in Cuba, with Father Dan Lueckenotte as the celebrant. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Cuba, Missouri.