Agnes "Rita" Kriech

Agnes ‘Rita’ (Clark) Kriech, 88, of Indianapolis, passed away June 23, 2018. She was born June 6, 1930 to John and Eleanora (Matthews) Clark, Sr. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Francis J. Kriech; brothers and sisters, Margaret, James, John, Geneva, Mary, Gene Clark and Regina Moore (Jack); her daughter, Rita Ann (Bruce Robinson) Kriech; granddaughter, Lisa Artrip; and great-grandson, Aidan Kerry. Rita married Francis Kriech on October 14, 1950. She was a loving mother to 11 children: Ken (Sharon) Kriech, Rita Ann (Bruce Robinson) Kriech, Karen (Chuck) Artrip, Daniel (Debra) Kriech, Mary Beth (David) Piland, Therese (Paul) Myers, Blaise (Kellie) Kriech, Laura (Bill) Shonk, Joan (Russ) Miller, Jean (Jim) Donlan and Ruth (Jason) Smith. She shared her love with 28 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Rita had a special place in her heart for others, who also called her mom including Steve Bernstein, Linda Sanchez, Lida Toffolo and Joe Thompson. Rita graduated from St. Philip Neri Grade School and St. Mary Academy High School, Indianapolis. She was a proud lifelong member of St. Philip Neri, from her baptism until her recent passing. Mom worked in the cafeteria at Scecina Memorial High School and enjoyed serving all of the students. She also worked at Indy Anna’s catering where she specialized in baking bread while also establishing long-lasting friendships with many of the other ‘lunch ladies’ working alongside her. Rita’s heart was full of serving others. For 25 years she had served as a Eucharistic minister of Holy Communion, driving the Missionary Sisters of Charity to appointments and the grocery store, volunteering weekly at the St. Paul Hermitage in Beech Grove playing games with the residents, working in the kitchen at Our Lady of Fatima Retreat House in Indianapolis, and also volunteered at the Miracle Place, a ministry of the Providence Sisters on the near eastside. One of her greatest joys was receiving the Spirit of Service award on April 24, 2018 where she was recognized by the Archdiocese of Indianapolis for all of her service efforts. Mom was most happy when she was cooking for her beloved family, especially her Sunday noon meals after church. She was always attending school and sporting events with her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren while also finding time to spend with many of her close friends. Visitation will be Thursday, June 28, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Shirley Brothers Washington Memorial Chapel, 9606 E. Washington St., Indianapolis. The funeral mass will be Friday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, 550 N. Rural St. Visitation will also be held in the church on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Philip Neri Parish, 550 N. Rural St., Indianapolis, IN 46201. To continue Rita’s ‘Serving Spirit’, you may also choose an act of service and record it on a postcard (available at the visitation). As these are mailed back to the family we will see Mom’s legacy live on. www.shirleybrothers.com.

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Agnes "Rita" Kriech

June 6, 1930 - June 23, 2018