Rita Catherine (Kirk) Struble

Rita Catherine (Kirk) Struble 02/06/1922-09/27/2024 Wife, Mother, Room Mother, PTA Life Member, Girls Scout Leader, United Way Volunteer, Religious Education Teacher Rita was born on a farm in Iowa on February 6, 1922, and died peacefully at the age of 102 on September 27, 2024. She was one of 14, children born to John and Edna (Hayes) Kirk. Three of her siblings survive her. After graduating high school, Rita worked at several jobs before joining the U.S. Navy in 1944 as a Wave. While serving at Perris Island, S.C., she met and married her future husband, Joe Struble. Rita was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy in 1945. Together they reared eight children (Treasa, Cathi, Joe II, Edy, Dory, Annie, Sally, and Debi). During the course of Mr. Struble’s Naval career, the family moved to San Diego, CA in 1947, Chula Vista, CA in 1949, Honolulu, Hawaii (then just a territory of the U.S.) in 1951, and returned to San Diego, and Chula Vista, CA in 1955, and remained there until 1964 when the family moved to Vallejo., CA. Rita was the manager of the family and learned how to do household repairs, especially important when Mr. Struble was deployed at sea. While in Hawaii, she worked as a Tupperware Lady and became a top sales rep. She had a brief career at the Chula Vista Public Library, and for more than 18 years worked at the Napa City-County Library. During that time, she enrolled in continuing education classes to earn management certificates. Upon her retirement in 1982, she was a faithful volunteer at St. Basil’s Catholic Church in Vallejo. As a result of her efforts, she was honored with the Benemerenti Award which is given to Lay members of the Catholic Church for long and exceptional service. Rita was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. In addition to her husband of 43 years, she is predeceased by her parents, 10 of her siblings, 1 daughter (Edy Walsh), 1 grandson (Joe Struble III), 1 great-granddaughter (Trina Struble), and 1 great-great-grandson (Emmett). Rita is survived by her remaining children, their spouses/significant other: Treasa Skiles (Ken Buccellato), Cathi Bickford (Bill), Joe Struble (Alice), Dory Clarke, Annie Chock (Steven), Sally Wing (Chuck), and Debi Lineberger (Jerry); 18 Grandchildren; 34 Great-grandchildren, and 3 Great-great-grandchildren. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her. Funeral mass will be held 10 a.m., Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at St. Basil’s Catholic Church, in Vallejo, followed by a reception in the church hall. Arrangements entrusted to the direction and care of Twin Chapels Mortuary, Vallejo (707) 552-6696. www.TwinChapelsMortuary.com

Rita Catherine (Kirk) Struble

February 6, 1922 - September 27, 2024