Rita M. Carlson

August 5, 1940 - August 16, 2018

Rita M. Carlson, 78, of Sycamore, formerly of Hampshire passed away Thursday afternoon, Aug. 16, 2018 in Elgin. She was born Aug. 5, 1940 in Elgin the daughter of Percy and Virginia (Gustafson) Werthwein. She was a member of the 1958 class of Burlington Central High School. Rita worked for over 25 years and retired from W.S. in Hampshire (formerly Playskool Mfg.). She was a member of the Sycamore United Methodist Church and formerly at Faith United Methodist Church in Genoa. She was also a member of the D.A.R. (Daughters of American Revolution) and P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization). She enjoyed scrapbooking, dominoes, traveling, and entertaining friends and family. Surviving are her three children, Stephen (Sharon) Suddeth, Timothy Carlson, Traci Carlson; 5 grandchildren, Kindra Verig, Jessica Suddeth, Krystel Suddeth, Timothy “TJ” Smolen, and Chris “Cheyenne” Hammond; 4 great-grandchildren, Levi, Natalie, Jaxson, and Daniel; siblings, Judy Nimitz, Kay (Dick) Irving, Norman (Sandy) Werthwein, Sue (the late Gary) Olson, Valerie (Orris) Ruth, Renee (Richard) Neiderman, and Ginny Werthwein; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Percy; and her former husband, David Carlson. Funeral Services will be held at 11:30 am Tuesday, Aug. 21 at Sycamore United Methodist Church, 160 Johnson Ave., Sycamore. Burial will follow in the Hampshire Center Cemetery. Visitation will be prior to services at the church from 9:30 am to 11:30. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name may be directed to Sycamore United Methodist Church, or Faith U.M. Church in Genoa.