Rita Pienkos

Rita Anne Pienkos, 72, of Findlay, Illinois, died Oct. 14 in Springfield, Illinois, after suffering complications from heart surgery. Rita was born in Chicago, the only child of Robert and Katheryn Russell.  She attended St. Felicitas School and Aquinas Dominican High School.  Rita’s first marriage ended in divorce but produced two children, Deborah Palz-Schnulle and Rob Palz.  The single mother supported her children as an office worker and as a cocktail waitress at a bowling alley. It was at the bowling alley that Rita met Frederick J. Pienkos Sr., who mustered up the courage to ask her out. They wed in 1970 and had one son, Frederick J. Pienkos Jr.  Rita and Fred lived in Lyons, Illinois, for 43 years before retiring to Findlay. They were married 46 years. Rita loved to crochet, and she made blankets for everyone in her family and for local charities. Her happiest days were spent fishing on Lake Shelbyville, where she could be counted on to drive the boat onto the carrier in one try, no matter how rough the water.  A reader of mystery fiction, Rita was a curious and thoughtful person who regularly offered her spare room to anyone in need.  She also loved dogs and liked to walk her mutt, Duke, through the quiet streets of Findlay.  Rita was predeceased by her parents. She is survived by her children, several grandchildren and one great-grandchild. In lieu of a funeral, a visitation is scheduled from 2 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Adolf Funeral Home,7000 S. Madison St., Willowbrook.  Cremation will follow, per Rita's wishes.