Rita Ann Hartmann, 82, of Lake St. Louis, formerly of Eolia, Missouri, passed away Sunday afternoon, January 4, 2026, in hospice care at St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield, Missouri.
Born January 21, 1943, in Peotone, she was the daughter of Carl O. and Enga M. (Bohnsack) Toepper. Rita was united in marriage in Peotone on February 17, 1968, to Ronald Dale Hartmann. This union was blessed with one daughter, Tammy.
Rita worked for Monsanto for 27 years before retiring in September 1997. She educated herself by reading, listening to KMOX radio, and paying attention to local, national, and international news. Rita was a great listener, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, always thinking of others. She was a longtime supporter of Options for Women. She always enjoyed gardening, a hobby that likely originated in her youth, being the daughter of farming parents. Her plans to grow bush beans and lettuce in her raised bed this spring support that. She loved her family and friends very much and, with great joy, has always been interested in and actively supportive of them. Rita also enjoyed monthly get-togethers with lady friends at local restaurants.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Enga Toepper; her brother, Gary Toepper; and her beloved husband of 54 years, Ron Hartmann, who died on March 6, 2022.
Survivors include their daughter, Tammy (Steve) Dennis, of Dardenne Prairie, Missouri; two grandchildren, Mikayla (Mark) Johnson, of Jefferson City, Missouri, and Thomas Mattingly, of Lake St. Louis, Missouri. Rita also leaves two brothers, Randy (Lori) Toepper, and Allen (Jean) Toepper; nieces and nephews, Sheri Hartmann, Tom (Debbie) Toepper, Todd (Leslie) Toepper, Tricia (Bob) Johanson, Doug (Celena) Toepper, Carli (Graham) Gauwitz, and Bobbi (Kendall) Loudon; along with many other cherished friends and relatives.
Services were held on January 19, at Carter-Ricks Funeral Home in Elsberry, Missouri, with Rev. Stephen McLane, pastor of New Hope Baptist Church, officiating. Graveside services were held at Greenwood Cemetery, near Clarksville, Missouri, on January 21.
Memorial may be made to Options for Women, in care of Carter-Ricks Funeral Home, 107 S. Fifth Street, Elsberry, Missouri 63343.