Obituary of Rita Ives

Rita A. Ives February 18, 1924 - March 8, 2012 Rita A. Ives, 88, passed away early March 8, 2012, of natural causes. Rita was born February 18, 1924 to William and Christine McNeill in Hammond, Indiana. She was one of six children. Rita spent her childhood living in Hammond and Chicago, Illinois, moving due to her father's job as pipe fitter. After Rita graduated from Loretto Academy, an all-girl Catholic school in Woodland, Chicago in 1942, she worked in a defense plant during World War II, as a Rosie the Riveter. Rita met her husband, Carol Ives, on one of the many evenings her father brought home service men for dinner. Rita and Carol married in 1945 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Rita gave birth to five children: Patricia Enderson of Caldwell, Christopher and wife Ann Ives of Placerville, Melinda and husband Steve Upson of Caldwell, Clayton Ives of Boise, Jonathon Ives of Boise. After her first child was born, Rita and Carol settled in Idaho. Rita was pleased to raise their five kids in the same house after moving around as a child. Rita enjoyed arts and crafts, sewing, and crocheting. She spent time outdoors with her husband riding snowmobiles, fishing, and camping. She even helped Carol build their cabin in Placerville, ID after Carol retired from 32 years of service in the U.S. military. Rita and Carol traveled extensively in their motor home, going to warmer states during the Idaho winters. She enjoyed her 9 grandbabies and 10 great grandbabies. Rita was active in the Catholic Church. She started a hot lunch program in the basement of St. John's Church for St. Joseph's School, working many years providing delicious meals. Rita is survived by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Rita is preceded in death by her husband Carol Ives, her parents William and Christine McNeill, her brothers Thomas and Howard McNeill, and her grandson Tom Enderson. A memorial mass will be Monday, March 12th at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Rosary, 1500 East Wright Street, Boise, Idaho.