Rita L. Dase, GIilbert, Ariz.
1927 - 2007
Former Emporia resident Rita L. Dase died Thursday, Oct. 11, 2007, at her home in Gilbert, Ariz. She was 81.
Mrs. Dase taught kindergarten on the Seneca Reservation School in New York State. She was voted Mother of the Year by the Ismalia Temple Shriners of Western New York on Mother’s Day in 1965. She lived in Emporia from 1974 to 1983, where she was an active volunteer at the Logan Avenue School. She served on the instructional improvement and accreditation committees and was inducted as a life member of the PTA, recognized for her life-long dedication to children.
The daughter of Albert and Emma Reimann Mootz, she was born March 7, 1926, at Buffalo, N.Y. She graduated from Buffalo State Teachers College with a degree in elementary education.
She married John Edward Dase 58 years ago. He survives.
Mrs. Dase was a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Emporia, a member of the church choir and a church women’s circle. Her wall hanging of the Last Supper has been displayed in the church since created. In 1976, she was recognized in The Gazette Community Spotlight. She was a leader in the Order of the Eastern Star, serving as Matron of Salome Chapter and as Right Worthy District Deputy Grand Matron. She also worked with the Campfire Girls and Triangle .
She is also survived by her children, Lori Tabares of Emporia, Linda Daily of Arlington, Va., Connie Rayner of Sun Lakes, Ariz., Karin Shaughnessy of Bay Village, Ohio, Cheryl Roberson of Avon Lake, Ohio, Kathy Stephens of Columbus, Ohio, Larry Dase of Jenks, Okla., John Dase of Gilbert, Ariz., and Kim Hathaway of Doylestown, Pa.; 24 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. A daughter, Nancy Jean, and a brother Albert Mootz, died earlier.
Services will be held Saturday at Gilbert, Ariz. The family will meet friends Friday at Gilbert, Ariz.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Hospice of the Valley, 777 W. Southern Ave., Suite 301, Building C, Mesa, AZ 85210.