Rita Gertrude Esselman

Quincy

OCT. 26, 1930 – JUNE 17, 2026

Rita Gertrude Esselman, age 95, of Quincy, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at Good Samaritan Home surrounded by her family.

Rita was born on October 26, 1930, in Perryville, Missouri, the daughter of Leo and Gertrude (Tucker) Moranville. She graduated from Saint Vincent High School in 1949. Rita married Gene Esselman on November 3, 1951, at Assumption Church in Perryville. She and her husband lived in Perryville from 1951 to 1970 and in Quincy from 1970 until the time of her death. Rita was the proud mother of eight children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Deeply devoted to her family, her faith, and to serving others, Rita lived an exemplary life.

Rita worked tirelessly to create a warm family environment where her husband and children flourished. She taught by example the values of hard work and taking responsibility, and modeled self-sacrifice for others. Rita loved cooking, baking, gardening, and canning; she enjoyed a good story and sharing book titles with friends and family. She was a fierce competitor while playing cards or dominos with her children and grandchildren and carried on the strong family tradition of rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals. Rita, with her husband Gene, loved to travel and explore different places throughout the country and making new friends along the way. She was an active member of many community groups, including the parent’s association of Quincy Notre Dame High School and the Western Catholic Union.

Rita was deeply devoted to God and her Catholic faith and was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s/Blessed Sacrament Parish. She started each morning praying for others from her favorite rocking chair. Rita and Gene visited the sick each week at Blessing Hospital and would regularly meet with families mourning the death of a loved one to help prepare the funeral service. Rita loved serving those less fortunate, particularly through her volunteer work with the Ladies of Charity.

Rita was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gene Esselman, her son, Dennis Esselman; her parents, Leo and Gertrude Moranville; her brothers Thomas, Charles and Richard Moranville; and her sisters, Bernadette, Genevieve, Ann Marie Devenyns and Mary Howe.

Rita is survived by her children: Rev. Thomas Esselman, C.M., Deborah (Bob) Harvey, Becki Esselman, Janice (David) Kroeger, Edward (Bonnie Brod) Esselman, John (Rebecca) Esselman, Paul (Suzanne) Esselman, and Julie (Jerry) Smith. She is survived by her brother, Robert (Gail) Moranville. Twelve grandchildren: Lenny Harvey, Claire (Brian) Reid, Jessica Gosnell, Luke (Amanda) Esselman, Hannah (Will) Lamm, Samantha (Matt) Jones, Gabrielle (Ryan Pinkerton) Esselman, Nicole (Jessie) Willis, Allison (Blake) Esselman-Lawrence, Tyler Esselman, Lauren (Casey) Robinson, Emily Smith and twelve great grandchildren also survive.

Visitation will be Tuesday, June 23, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Blessed Sacrament Church. Mass of the Resurrection will follow the visitation. Rev. Tom Esselman, C.M., will be the celebrant. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to either the Congregation of the Mission or Ladies of Charity.

Service arrangements are in care of Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Messages may be shared online at www.dukerandhaugh.com