Rosemary Ann Rieke, age 76 of Highland, IL, died Monday, March 17, 2025, at Hitz Memorial Home in Alhambra, IL.
She was born on Tuesday, March 30, 1948, in South Roxana, IL, the daughter of Loren Cuthrell and Virginia Keller.
On Saturday, July 23, 1966, she married Neal J. Rieke, Jr. at St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL, who passed away on Monday, December 18, 2023.
She was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church and an active member of the Hooker’s Club (a crocheting group).
Rosemary worked as a CNA for many years at area nursing homes before becoming a stay-at-home grandma. Grandma Rose devoted her time to making handmade ornaments for each of her grandkids. She also enjoyed crocheting, fishing, playing cards and family time. She and her husband loved to travel. Rosemary adored angels, Barbie dolls, country music and Elvis. With a very outgoing personality and a beautiful soul, Rosemary would give you her last dime or the shirt off her back. She was known has a strong, caring woman.
Survivors include:
- Daughter – Virginia “GeeGee” G. (Fiancé Shawn Dixon) Strawn, Pocahontas, IL
- Daughter – Angela R. (Mark) Pussehl, West Plains, MO
- Daughter – Crystal D. (Gerald) McCray, Greenville, IL
- Daughter – Elizabeth R. (Samuel) Tebbe, Highland, IL
- Son – Neal J. (Gina) Rieke, III, Highland, IL
- Brother – Lowell (Debbie) Cuthrell, Eaton, CO
- Grandchild – Thomas (Michelle) Rieke
- Grandchild – Jonathon (Alexis) Strawn
- Grandchild – Cassandra Rieke
- Grandchild – Ciara (Israel) Belmonte
- Grandchild – Megan (Aaron) Zobrist
- Grandchild – Shelbi McCray
- Grandchild – Gerald “JR” McCray
- Grandchild – Alexander Price
- Grandchild – Jaxton Tebbe
- Grandchild – Anthony Blakeney
- Grandchild – Clayton Rieke
- Grandchild – Adam Rieke
- Grandchild – Harley Lightle
- Great Grandchild – Charlotte Strawn
- Great Grandchild – Kayden Suh
- Great Grandchild – Mythias Strawn
- Great Grandchild – Naomi Rieke
- Great Grandchild – Esther Rieke
- Great Grandchild – Asher Zobrist
- Great Grandchild – Abigail (twin) Rieke
- Great Grandchild – Hannah (twin) Rieke
- Great Grandchild – Malakai Belmonte
- Brother-In-Law – Russell R. (Nancy) Rieke, Sr., Highland, IL
She was preceded in death by:
- Husband – Neal J. Rieke, Jr.
- Father – Loren R. Cuthrell
- Mother – Virginia L. Keller
- Son-In-Law – James R. Strawn, Jr.
- Sister-In-Law – Alice R. Ratermann
- Brother-In-Law – John Ratermann
Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL and from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Funeral Service will be at 2:00 PM on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL, with Rev. Mary Ann Lawrence, Vitas Hospice Chaplin, officiating.
Interment will be at Highland City Cemetery in Highland, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hitz Memorial Home.
