Rita Christine Steffes (Stacy)

Rita Christine (Stacy) Steffes, 60, of Independence, MO, peacefully passed away Tuesday, May 20, 2014 at North Kansas City Hospital. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Monday, May 26, 2014 at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, 3726 Lee’s Summit Rd., Independence, MO 64055. Visitation will be 3-5 p.m., Sunday, May 25, 2014 with the Rosary to follow at St. Mark’s Catholic Church. Cremation will follow services. The family suggests contributions to St. Mark’s Catholic Church. Rita was born on May 31, 1953 in Kansas City, MO, to Perry and Frances (Lalumia) Stacy. She graduated from Northeast High school in 1971. Rita worked at Missouri Gas and Energy before setting out to open her own restaurant. She successfully owned and operated Las Chili’s Mexican restaurant in Raytown, Missouri for more than 20 years. Patrons were always greeted with her gorgeous smile and down-home hospitality. Her nurturing nature also led her to volunteer at the Rehabilitation Center of Independence, LLC with her sister Mary for many years. Rita loved being surrounded by her family, the holidays, cooking for an audience, and the casinos. She and her husband are members of St. Mark’s Parrish where she served as a Eucharistic minister with her sister Mary with whom she had an incredible bond. Rita is survived by her husband of 25 years, Steve Steffes, daughters Frannie Bollinger and husband Geoff, and Christina Steffes; two granddaughters Ava and Bella Bollinger; sister Mary (Stacy) Walker and husband Ron; brother Joseph Stacy; brother-in-laws Danny Steffes and wife Katrina, John Steffes, and sister-in-law Laura Dickey and husband Jay and many nephews and cousins. Pallbearers include Geoff Bollinger, Jason Walker, Stephen Steffes, Brian Stacy, Aaron Stacy, and Phillip Counti. Rita captured the hearts of many with her infectious smile, larger than life personality, and unwavering generosity. “The pool was always open, the basta was always hot, and the love was always there to welcome anyone.” Rita will be missed immensely by everyone who knew her.