Rita Ann Scheuring was born May 22, 1940, in Beresford, SD, to Nicholas and Genevieve (O’Connor) Scheuring. She graduated from Beresford High School and attended Briar Cliff College in Sioux City, IA. Rita was a middle school secretary for many years at Hoover Middle School in Sioux City.
Rita married Arthur Fairfield August 6, 1962, in Beresford, SD. Four children blessed this union.
Rita was an active member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Sioux City, IA and volunteered many hours to many organizations in Sioux City. After moving to Valentine, in 2018, she was active at St. Nicholas Catholic Church.
She was an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, South Dakota State Jackrabbits, Green Bay Packers, and any team any of her grandchildren were on.
Rita loved working with children of all ages and especially loved spending time with her nine grandchildren. Middle school children held a special place in her heart, and she often said the students who are the hardest to love are the ones that needed love the most. She touched many lives and made friends everywhere she went.
Rita was 84 years old and passed away August 8, 2024, at Rock County Long Term Care in Bassett. She was preceded in death by her husband, Art Fairfield; her parents, Nicholas and Genevieve Scheuring; daughters, Catherine, and Erma Fairfield; sisters, Anita Girard, Corrine Lingberg, and Mary Ramsell; and brothers-in-law, Bud Girard, Rich Lingberg, Berdie Ramsell, and Dennis Hoven.
She is survived by son, Clare (Catherine) of Coralville, IA and by daughter, Callie (Neil) Kreutner of Valentine. Also surviving are nine grandchildren, Christiana (Cody) Wagner, Emily (Matt) Kendzicky, Olivia (Shane) Smith, Hannah (Paul) Palmer, McKenzie Fairfield, Harrison Fairfield, Nick Fairfield, Connor Kreutner, and Emma Kreutner. Rita is also survived by her only great grandchild, granddaughter, Quinn Wagner and her one brother, Nick (Uko) Scheuring of Deer Park, WA, and sister-in-law, Madelyn Hoven of Brandon, SD.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Rita Fairfield, age 84 of Valentine was held Friday, August 16 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Valentine. The burial followed at Mt. Hope Cemetery. The Rosary was recited on Thursday, August 15 at 7:00 p.m. at the Church. A visitation was held Thursday, August 15 from noon to 4:00 p.m. at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines in Valentine. Sandoz Chapel of the Pines was entrusted with service arrangements.
