Rita Elaine O'Neal, 80, of Marseilles, made her way peacefully to the Lord, at home surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, August 30, 2025.

Private services were held. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery in Marseilles at a later date.

Rita was born in Morris, IL on January 21, 1945, to Helen (Wheeler) Murphy and Russell Wheeler. She was really young when her mother married Dewey Murphy. Dewey brought three brothers to their family, that made her the only girl in the family of eight brothers: Clarence, Lloyd, William, James, and Russell Wheeler and Tom, Jim, and Jack Murphy. They all watched out for her. She was the matriarch of the family. Her dad, Dewey, was her hero, so much so that she named her son after him.

Rita became a mother in 1962 with the birth of her daughter, Darla (Parsons) Lambert. She moved into her house in 1964. She lived in that home for 61 years. In 1965, her son, Dewy Parsons, was born. She raised her children in that house. She went to school and became a beautician. She had a shop downtown for many years and then in her house. She loved cooking, sewing, crocheting, knitting, baking, and reading.

She spent many years cooking at Johnny's and Bud's with Hilda and Janet. She loved to go shopping with her good friend, Linda. But most of all, she loved her children, grandchildren, and greats and great greats.

In April of 2005, she found her true love, Donald Schanks. Ask him about the story (pretty funny), something about brother trying to talk to her and needing a walking partner. They've been walking hand-in-hand ever since.

Rita is survived by Donald Schanks; Darla Lambert; Dewey Parsons; Kelly Wheeler Mathews, Donna and Tammy Shanks; grandchildren, Shanna Smith, Amberly (Levy) Smith, Cody (Mandy) Smith, Kayley (Steve) Lambert, and Kyley (Alfonso) Lambert; 14 great-grandkids and Elyana Elaine in December; 9 great-great-grandkids; her best friend, Linda Savage; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dewey and Helen Murphy; her father, Russell Wheeler; eight brothers, Clarence, Lloyd, William, James, and Russell Wheeler, and Tom, Jack, and Jim Murphy.

Seals-Campbell Funeral Home

1009 E. Bluff St., Marseilles, IL 61341

815-795-5151 www.sealscampbell.com