Rita Jo Perkins, 73, of rural Platte Center, Nebraska, died Tuesday, February 23, 2021, at her home.

The funeral service will be held on Friday February 26, at 10:30 AM, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Columbus, Nebraska, with Rev. Patrick Sparling and Rev. Chris Ramstad officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday, from 4:00 - 7:00 PM at Gass Haney Funeral Home and continue on Friday, from 9:30 AM until service time at the church. A family prayer service will be held on Friday at 10:15 AM at the church. The funeral service will be broadcast live on the Gass Haney Funeral Home Facebook page. Interment will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to those of the donor's choice.

Rita Jo Perkins was born June 22, 1947, in Corvallis, Oregon, to Myron and Lois (Flesner) Rice. She was baptized into Christ and confirmed her Christian faith at Grace Lutheran Church, Platte Center, Nebraska. She graduated from Platte Center High School in 1965. Rita began playing the organ at an early age, and played for Grace Lutheran Church for numerous years. She was employed by Columbus Community Hospital in housekeeping for over 30 years.

Rita was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Columbus where she was a member of the Ladies Aid. Rita was an active member of Platte Valley Play House where she was in numerous productions. She enjoyed writing custom poems and stories, bon fires, karaoke, a good cup of coffee and a glass of wine. She made thousands of desserts, especially pies, to give away.

Rita is survived by:
Daughter – Melaney (Brian) Reeg of Columbus, NE
Daughter – Sheila Perkins of Columbus, NE
Son – Rev. Benjamin (Dulsey) Perkins of Sergeant Bluffs, IA
Daughter – Rebecca (Brett) Manak of Columbus, NE
12 Grandchildren
One Great Grandchild
Many step grandchildren and great grandchildren
Sister – Karen Swoboda of Columbus, NE
Sister – Beth Rice of Columbus, NE
Sister – Barb (Bob) Nielsen of Norfolk, NE
Nieces and nephews
Cousin – Mark Sims of Columbus, NE

Rita was preceded in death by:
Parents – Myron and Lois Rice
Grandparents

Service Folder Information
God saw you getting tired
And a cure was not to be
So He put his arms around you
And whispered "Come with Me."

With tearful eyes
We watched you suffer
And saw you fade away
Although we loved you dearly
We could not make you stay.

A golden heart stopped beating
Hardworking hands at rest
God broke our hearts to prove
He only takes the BEST.

It's lonesome here without you
We miss you more each day
Life doesn't seem the same
Since you've gone away.

When days are sad and lonely
And everything goes wrong
We seem to hear you whisper
"Cheer up and carry on."

Each time we see your picture
You seem to smile and say
"Don't cry, I'm in God's keeping
We'll meet again someday!"


I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
Psalm 139:14



In Loving Memory Of

Rita Jo Perkins

Born
Sunday, June 22, 1947
Corvallis, Oregon

Entered Into Eternal Life
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
Platte Center, Nebraska

Celebration of Life
Friday, February 26, 2021 10:30 AM
Immanuel Lutheran Church
Columbus, Nebraska

Officiating
Rev. Patrick Sparling
Rev. Chris Ramstad

Music
Ann Cattau – Soloist & Organist
"On The Other Side"
"O Perfect Love"
Congregational Hymns
"Amazing Grace"
"In The Garden"
"How Great Thou Art"

Private Family Interment
Roselawn Memorial Cemetery
Columbus, Nebraska