Rita Ledvora, age 78, a resident of Wheaton since 1993, and formerly of Morton Grove, died on Tuesday, October 16, peacefully with her husband of 56 years by her side. She was born on August 19, 1929 in Chicago.

She was a devoted wife and mother who was actively involved in the community and her church. In the 1990's, she was awarded Citizen of the Year by the City of Wheaton in recognition of her service. For many years she worked as an election judge and supported blood drives. At St. Michael Church she served as a Eucharistic Minister and worked as a CCD instructor.

Rita was a leader in the Cathedral High School Alumni Association. Education was important to her and at the age of 40 she went back to college and graduated at the age of 60 from Mundelein College with a degree in business. She worked for AT&T companies for over 25 years with over 15 years of perfect attendance. She was a volunteer at Ameritech sponsored Pro golf tournaments. She loved to cook, and enjoyed sewing, dancing and traveling. She especially loved to host family gatherings.

She is survived by her husband, Frank, six children, Rosemary Gullikson of Wheaton, Ron Ledvora of Berwyn, Kathleen Ard of Wheaton, Gerard (Nicki) Ledvora of Wauconda, Joe (Sri) Ledvora of Wheaton, and Gina (Rob) Sheridan of Wheaton, 12 grandchildren, one sister Regina (Richard) Hanson of McHenry.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 18, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St. in Wheaton. A mass will be held on Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Michael Church, West and Illinois St. in Wheaton, with prayers at the funeral home at 9:30. Interment will follow at Wheaton Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the Tim and Tom Gullikson Foundation, (funding support programs for brain-tumor patients and families) 7800 Sears Tower, Chicago, IL 60606.

Information and guest book is available at hultgrenfh.com or call 630-668-0027.