Rita Florence English Singlehurst Duren Smith, age 93, died on Friday June 21, 2024. Rita was born on July 6, 1930, in Milwaukee, WI, to Modesta Keller English and Harold English. She was later adopted by her mother’s second husband Jack Singlehurst.

Rita spent her early years in Maui, Hawaii but during the war relocated to Wisconsin in her early teens and met the love of her life (Martin) Dean Duren in Cazenovia, Wisconsin. They were married in 1950 and had 4 children and were married until Dean’s early death in 1970.

Rita met and married Robert Neal Smith in 1972. Bob’s 3 children increased their family to 7 children, and they spent most of their married life in Cazenovia, until they relocated to Reedsburg, and ultimately to Sun Prairie. They celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2022, and were together until Bob’s death in April 2023.

Rita was a leader in her community and a shining example to her children. She established Girl Scout troops, taught sewing to 4-H’ers, was a member of local homemakers, American Legion Auxilliary and deanery groups in the area, and taught CCD to high schoolers. She also worked part time in Dean’s business and then in the 70’s worked for SWCAP while attending college. She ultimately retired from the State of Wisconsin DILHR/DWD.

In her retirement years, Rita and Bob built their dream home on Lee Lake in Cazenovia. She also enjoyed gardening, baking, entertaining, ocean cruises, travelling in their RV and creating personalized greeting cards. Several trips were made back to Hawaii to visit Rita’s parents. Her most memorable Hawaii trip included the entire family to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary.

She spent years as the parish assistant producing the weekly bulletins for St. Anthony’s Cazenovia. She was active in Toastmasters, winning many state-wide competitions. She regaled her family with her colorful speeches. Holidays were always spent with a houseful of family at her home. A Christmas pageant was a requirement of the holiday festivities as she enjoyed anything involving costumes, hats and creative activity.

Another new world greeted Rita in moving to New Perspectives in Sun Prairie. She made new friends as she became involved in many activities, especially enjoying those that involved hat design.

Constant throughout Rita’s life was her Catholic faith and her strong sense of family. These ideals and values guided her throughout her life and by example she always worked to instill those in her children and their families.

Rita is survived by Kathy (Gil) Helland, Marie (Len) Meissner, Anita (Pat) Berigan, Dan (Sandy) Duren, stepchildren Dan (Shawn) Smith, Ralph Smith and Laura Smith. 12 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews and sister-in-law Mary Lou Duren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dean, her husband Bob, her younger brother and his wife, Bill and Peggy Singlehurst, and Dean’s brothers and sisters; and grandson Dillon Duren.

A very special thank you to Dr Benjamin Nesseim, RAMC, the New Perspective caregiver team, and the Farber Funeral Home.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Rita will be held at 11:30 A.M. on Friday, June 28, 2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Reedsburg with Father John Blewett officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday from 9:30am - 11:15am. Burial will be at St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Cazenovia WI.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the American Heart Assn, or the National Kidney Foundation.