Rita Ann Phelps (1929 – 2024)

Rita Ann Phelps, 95, formerly of Wheaton, Illinois, passed away in Front Royal, Virginia, on Tuesday, December 3, 2024.

A funeral Mass will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, December 20, 2024, at St. John’s Catholic Church, 120 W Main St., Front Royal, Virginia, with Father Daniel Gee officiating. Following the Mass, the body will be buried at Prospect Hill Cemetery.

Rita was born in Detroit, Michigan, on October 17, 1929, to the late William Zemnick and Anna Shousky Zemnick. She was also preceded in death by her son, Rick Phelps, and her brother, Ronald Zemnick.

Rita is survived by her loving husband of 72 years, Robert K. Phelps; her son, Gregg Phelps (Rebecca); her brother, Robert Zemnick; her grandchildren, Rachel Smoot, Alyssa Burk, Kaila Phelps, Christopher White, and Elizabeth Cook; and her great-grandchildren, Jude, Robert, Matt, Emma, Allison, and baby Gatlin on the way.

Rita was an avid sports enthusiast. She had a deep love for the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears and could often be found cheering on her beloved teams with unwavering loyalty.

The family can visit Maddox Funeral Home, 105 W Main St., Front Royal, one hour before the service.

Rita was a very loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a long-time member of St. Daniel the Profit Catholic Church in Wheaton, Illinois.

Pallbearers will be Christopher White, A.J. Smoot, Allen Cook, Cody Burk, and Kyle Dilling.

Memorial contributions may be made to Blue Ridge Hospice at 333 W Cork Street Unit 405, Winchester, Virginia 22601, instead of flowers.