Rita C. Mahon (86) of Effingham

Rita C. Mahon, 86, of Effingham, IL, passed away on Tuesday, September 22, 2020, at Willowbrook in Effingham.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 26, 2020 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham. Burial will be in St. Anthony Cemetery in Effingham. Visitation will be held Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a CCW Rosary at 6:30 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham.

Due to COVID-19 concerns, please wear a mask to all services and follow social distancing guidelines. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials may be made to St. Anthony Schools. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here.

Rita was born on October 28, 1933, in Effingham, IL, the daughter of Joseph J. and Mary M. (Luchtefeld) Riemann. She married James M. Mahon on June 13, 1959. He preceded her in death on July 27, 2002. Rita was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham and was member of the church choir for over 65 years. She was also a member of the St. Anthony Church Council of Catholic Women. Rita worked many years at the Effingham Daily News and was a proofreader at TSI Graphics. Up until just a few years ago, Rita entertained residents at local nursing homes and assisted living facilities line dancing with the Effingham Senior Center Ladies and singing with the T-Town Singers. She also helped to lead their weekly rosaries. Rita’s love was her family and all things music. Her aspiration was to be worthy enough to sing with the angels in Heaven!

Rita is survived by her sons, David (Sherri) Mahon and Tim Mahon both of Effingham; daughter, Margie (Dan) Willenborg of Effingham; grandchildren, Dr. Scott (Dani) Mahon of Corvallis, OR, Dr. Steven (Amy) Mahon of Indianapolis, IN, Stacia (Joel) Chaplin of Maryville, TN, Matthew (fiancée, Abby) Willenborg of Colorado Springs, CO, Brett and Ryan Willenborg both of Effingham, Ally Mahon of Clarksville, TN, and step-grandson, Myles Baker of Nashville, TN; great-grandchildren, Levi and Emmalyn Chaplin and Scarlett Willenborg; and sister-in-law, Pat Rickelman of Effingham.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two sisters, Marcella (Jim) Bourgeois of rural Effingham and Anna Marie (Jim) Lidy of Island Grove; and brother-in-law, Sam Rickelman.