Rita Karin Zaerr

January 12, 1949 - January 5, 2021

Rita K. Zaerr, 72, of Bolivar, MO, passed away Tuesday, January 5th, 2021 in her home after a 5 year long battle with lung cancer. She was born January 12, 1949 in Heavener, OK., to Pat Cherry and Zelpha Grace. She has been a member of Open Hearts United Methodist since 1993, a volunteer of The Emmaus and Show Me The Way Walk to Emmaus of Southwest Missouri for over 20 years. She was married June 3, 1973 to James L. Zaerr in Heavener, Oklahoma. Rita dedicated her entire life to her husband, Jim Zaerr, and her three sons. She spent her entire life watching her family grow and blossom and she loved spending time with her grandkids. She is survived by her husband, Jim, of the home; a son, Lance Randolph Zaerr of Peoria, IL.; a son, Curtis J. Zaerr of Springfield, MO.; a son, Jeremy L. Zaerr of Kansas City, MO.; and four grandchildren, Gavin Zaerr and Adyson Zaerr of Kansas City, MO., Lance Zaerr and Lacey Zaerr of Peoria, IL.; and two great grandchildren, Kindle and Khloe Zaerr of Peoria, IL. Funeral Services will be held Friday, January 8th, 2021 at 11:00 a.m, at the Open Hearts United Methodist Church of Bolivar, MO.; with the Pastor David Collum officiating. Burial will be at the Jasper Cemetery, near Jasper, MO. Visitation will be Thursday January 7, 2021 from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Butler Funeral Home, Bolivar, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to the Open Hearts Methodist Church of Bolivar, MO.; and to the Multiple Sclerosis Society and Foundation.