Rita J. Parod

WASHINGTON?Rita J. Parod, 65, passed away at 4:55 p.m., Monday, October 21, 2013 at the Richard Owens Hospice Home in Peoria. Rita was born on August 23, 1948 in Peoria to Frank and Rita (Kirby) Hoog. She married Frank Parod in Peoria on September 17, 1976. She is survived by her husband and companion of 37 years, Frank. Also surviving is her mother of Sunnyland; their three children, Eric (Christine) Parod of Lebanon, Missouri, Bert Parod and Natalie (Thad) Martin, both of Washington; her four siblings, Frank (Diane) Hoog, Jr and Diane (Stan) Bersin, both of Morton, Stacey (Doug) Young and Kirk (Sandy) Hoog, both of Washington and seven loving grandchildren, Neal, Ben, Isaiah, Seth, Will, Chloe and Emmie. She was preceded in death by her father, Frank. Rita had been a stylist in the Washington area for many years, working at her own shop, Rita?s Beauty Salon, then later at Em?s Beauty Bar and Love Boutique. She also enjoyed fitness and exercise, Rita had been an aerobics instructor for the past 30 years, last being part of the staff at Kaufman?s Wellness Center in Germantown Hills. She was a graduate of Washington Community High School and a lifelong resident of the community. Rita loved playing sports and for many years was quite active in playing softball and volleyball. She also loved sewing and scrapbooking, when not spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Rita had always wanted to visit the Grand Canyon, so last month Rita and Frank took a trip west where she was able to fly over and see the Grand Canyon. She was a member of St. Mark?s Lutheran Church in Washington. A celebration of Rita?s life will be held on Friday, October 25, 2013 at 8 p.m. at Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington with Pastor John Bates officiating. Visitation will be on Friday after 4 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials for Rita may be directed to either the Peoria Cancer Center or OSF Richard Owens Hospice Home.