Rita Mae Staber

Rita Mae Staber, 53, of Sioux City passed away Wednesday, January 1, 2014 at her residence after a courageous battle with ALS. Memorial services will be 10:30 A.M. Monday, January 6, 2014 at the Church of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ with Reverend Steven McLoud officiating. Visitation will be Sunday, January 5, 2014 from 4 to 8 P.M. with the family present from 6 to 8 P.M. with a Vigil service at 6 P.M. at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. Online condolences can be directed to meyerbroschapels.com. Rita was born the daughter of Christopher and Clara (Lux) Koch on March 4, 1960 in Sioux City, Iowa. She graduated from Bishop Heelan High School in 1978. Rita married James "Jim" Staber on May 22, 1981 in Sioux City. Rita was a homemaker who raised two children. She enjoyed golfing, gardening, canning, and entertaining. Her life centered on God, family, and friends. She was the first person to lend a hand to someone in need and always put others ahead of herself. Rita was a member of the Church of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Rita's name to the ALS Association at www.alsa.org/donate/. Rita is survived by her husband, Jim of Sioux City; one son, Jacob Staber and his wife, Lyneia of Sioux City, Iowa; one daughter, Sara Heiner and her husband, Timothy of Jackson, Nebraska; five brothers, Mark Koch and his wife, Janie, Paul Koch and his wife, Lynne, Larry Koch, Mike Koch and his wife, Jane, and Pat Koch and his wife, Tammy; two sisters, Donna Culver and her husband, Bob and Rose Palsgaard and her husband, Eric; her mother, Clara Koch-Winn; and six grandchildren, Sara, Lizzy, Tim, Walter, Kaylie, and Christine Mae. She was preceded in death by her father, Christopher and one brother, Martin.