Lorita (Rita) Mae Werts Coffman, daughter of Richard Robert Werts and Lorita Colette Smith Werts, was born October 19, 1931 in Chariton, Lucas County, IA. She passed away on May 7, 2016 in Springfield, MO. She was 84 years of age.
She was raised on a farm near Russell, IA in Lucas County. Upon graduating from Russell High School, she graduated from Iowa State University in Ames, IA with a major in home economics. Later in life, she attended graduate school at Missouri State University.
She was employed with Crosley-Bendix in Cincinnati, OH, where she tested Crosley refrigerators, ranges and dishwashers in their engineering & research development laboratories.
Her career was continued in Kansas City, MO at the Midwest Research Institute (MRI) and at Niven-Russell Research Associates, where she did laboratory research for Maytag and Folgers. She was later employed as a substitute teacher at Rogersville, MO. She was also an active partner in a family rental business.
She married Paul Robert Coffman on August 19, 1956. To this marriage, three daughters were born. Rita continued to work, while Paul attended law school at the University of Missouri in Kansas City.
The couple moved to Carthage, MO, where Paul began his law practice. They moved to Joplin for a short time and then to Springfield in 1960.
As a mother, she played an active role in her daughters’ activities, nurturing their musical training and made many of their clothes.
Her hobbies included bridge, reading, investments, bird watching and genealogy. As a member of the Rachel Donelson Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, she became interested in family history and participated in the publication of two family genealogy books.
She was a fitness enthusiast, loved the outdoors and walking the neighborhood sidewalks. She participated in several local runs, including the hilly Wilson Creek 10K.
She was known for her involvement in the community, serving as a volunteer for the Cox Hospital Auxiliary for 36 years; as a Sunday School teacher and choir member at Wesley United Methodist Church; and as a Camp Fire Girls Leader.
Survivors include cherished companion, James P. Gray of Springfield, MO; daughters Colette Lorita Coffman of New York City, NY; Catherine Grace Coffman of St. Louis, MO; Carolyn Marie Coffman Fox and her husband Gary Winckel of Valdosta, GA; grandchildren Hannah Elizabeth Fox, David Louis Fox, Jr. and John Paul Fox; brother Donald Eugene Werts, his wife Heidy Pan Werts of Brea, CA; sister-in-law Betty Hedegard Werts of Elkhart, IN and four nieces and one nephew.
Preceding Rita in death were her husband Paul Robert Coffman of Springfield, MO; father and mother, Richard Robert Werts and Colette Lorita Smith Werts of Russell, IA; and brother Wayne Eldon Werts of South Bend, IN.
A graveside service for the family will be held at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Springfield. Arrangements are under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home South. Memorials may be given to the Salvation Army.
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