Rita L. Woodworth

Rita L. (Leverich) Woodworth, 86, of Sparta, died Sunday, March 17, 2024 at Morrow Memorial Home, Sparta.  She was born on June 9, 1937 in Sparta, WI to Jess and Neata Leverich. She married Donald “Red” Woodworth on September 2, 1955, in Sparta. In 1979, the marriage ended in divorce.

Prior to her retirement, she worked at Felland’s Shoe Store in Sparta for 20 years, Brown Wohl Shoe Co in Virginia for 10 years, and Sparta Tool & Mfg. in Sparta. She was an avid golfer and bowler.  She won the Club Championship in Sparta 15 years in a row, and West Salem Golf Course Championship 3 years.

Rita is survived by her daughter, Jane (David) Schanhofer of Sparta; son, Jeffrey (Val) Woodworth of Troy, MI; grandchildren, Kellie (Trent) Hagen and John (Lori Hanson) Kast, both of Sparta; brother, Charles (Anna) Leverich of Luray, VA; great-grandchildren, Lane Kast, Dalton Kast, Ella Hagen, and Caleb Hagen.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Schaitel; and brother, Jack Leverich; and son-in-law, Dave Kast.

A Memorial service will be held at 12 p.m. on Monday, March 25, 2024, at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, with Chaplain Priscilla Hemmersbach officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Memorials may be offered to Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

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