Rita Frances Reif

Rita Frances Reif, 91, of Madison, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2025, at Agrace Hospice, with family at her side.

Rita was born on August 7, 1933, in Madison, WI, to Beatrice and Lester Murray. She attended St. Raphael and Madison West High School, and earned a degree in Social Work and Recreation from The University of Wisconsin, Madison. After college she worked for Catholic Social Services. On the day after Christmas, 1956, she married Robert Reif just before he left for a two-year tour of service with the US Army in Germany. She joined him in Frankfurt where they made lifelong friends and welcomed their first daughter, Roberta. Once Rita and Bob returned to Madison, Robin, Renee, and Ron were born in successive years.

Rita was a faithful homemaker, keeping an active family well-fed and cared for, while maintaining a beautiful home and yard. Rita contributed to the community in many ways by hosting gatherings and working a variety of volunteer jobs. Most notable and rewarding were her decades as an “Attic Angel” and a long-time PEO Sister. She also organized the “Share The Care” for dear friends in need of support during chronic illness, volunteered at St. Vincent’s Food Pantry, and helped organize the West High School Class of ‘51 Reunions.

After becoming empty nesters, Rita and Bob moved to Portage, along the Wisconsin River, to realize their dream of living in the country. They hosted family events and holidays, and welcomed many friends. Rita started and ran their “Country Aire” Bed and Breakfast for 12 years, providing a beautiful setting with homemade baked goods.

Rita had a knack for staying connected with friends and gathering people together. She was quick to organize help, prepare food and send a handwritten note when a friend was in need. Rita was also very supportive and encouraging of her children and their varied activities.

Church was especially important to Rita; she and Bob were longtime members at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church and attended St. Thomas Aquinas Church. In 2020, Rita and Bob moved to All Saints Neighborhood, where she enjoyed attending Chapel and connecting with friends.

Rita was a force of strength for the family, and Bob said it best, “For this strength, common sense, parenting expertise, and love, I express my complete gratitude. Rita has certainly been the guiding light from the time of our meeting at the University of Wisconsin.”

Rita was preceded in death by Bob, her loving husband of 68 years. She is survived by her four children, 10 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Survivors include: Bobbi (Cliff) Acheson, Robin (Steve) Alterman, Renee (John) Farkas, and Ron (Paula) Reif, grandchildren: Robin (Jason) McDaniel, Kailin (David) Jones, Michelle (Mike) Oppeneer, Bennett (Allison Hill) Farkas, Allison Alterman, Luke (Carina) Farkas, Austin Reif, Cappy Alterman, Grace Reif, and Lauren Farkas, and

great-grandchildren: Caleb, Abigail and Kaitlin McDaniel, Isaiah, Jace and Camden Oppeneer, Lily and Dax Jones, and Callaway Farkas.

Many thanks to her wonderful friends, caregivers at All Saints Assisted Living and Agrace Hospice who supported Rita and her family with cheerfulness and care.

Services will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Church on Friday, September 26, 2025. The Mass will begin at 11:00 am and a reception with refreshments will follow until 2:00 pm.

Donations may be made in Rita’s name to Hope and a Future’s intergenerational neighborhood Capital Campaign expansion fund, 1115 S. High Point Road, Madison, WI 53719, or online at hopeandafutureinc.org.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road, Madison

(608) 238-3434