Rita Luddon

Rita C. Luddon, 91 of Maryland Hts. Mo passed away from heart failure on Friday October 25th at 12:30am in Mercy Hospice House in South County.

Rita was born on November 5, 1932 in Venice IL. Her parents Lillian (Rush) Luddon of Illinois & John Lawrence Luddon of Caven County Ireland.

She attended and graduated from St. Theresa High School in 1965. Completed a Legal Technology course in 1975 with Florissant Valley Community College. She obtained a Bachelors degree from Lindenwood College.

She worked at 3M Company in 1963 then went to McDonnell Douglas in 1964. She was an executive secretary of the VP on the fighter jets. Where she retired in 2000.

Rita lived life to the fullest with her family and friends. Hosting parties when ever she could. She loved having people around her with food & drink. Traveled to numerous states with her friends, North Carolina, Florida & California, Smoky Mountains & Blue Ridge Parkway to name a few.

Also traveled with her partner of 50 years, Paul Weber, to Paris, Italy, England

Traveled to England and Ireland with her two sisters to look up their heritage.

Rita was a dedicated member of the Arts. When traveling she would seek out museums. Attended numerous events of the St Louis Symphony. She loved all kinds of music from Beethoven to Hank Williams.

She went to classes, parties and shows at the Missouri Botanical Gardens. She would consult with the landscape engineers on how to grow plants.

Her love for animals was abundant. In the many years together, Paul would rescue Beagle puppies and bring them home. They had 3 of them Minnie Lou, Missey, & Scamp. She would say, “A dog snoozing on your lap is more healing than any drug in the world as the vibration you are feeling are of pure love and contentment”

Rita became second mother to her older sister, Mary Donna, children, had nine and that would keep her busy. She took them to events to fill our heads with adventure and knowledge. She will be truly missed by her family and friends but we know that she is in Heaven with her family and friends.

Survivor Paul Weber, nieces and nephews

Proceeded in death: parents, brother John “Pat” Luddon, sisters Mary Donna {Luddon) Scaturro, Sr. Margie Luddon, & nephew John Luddon.

Rita requited donations be made in her name in lieu of flowers to the Humane Society of Missouri, the Missouri Botanical Garden and the St. Louis Art Museum.