Rita Ziliak

Rita J. Ziliak, 64, of Haubstadt, Ind., passed away at her home, surrounded by her family, on Saturday, June 26, 2021 after a two-year battle with cancer. Rita was born in Evansville on Feb 17, 1957 to Francis “Booby” Maurer and Bettye (Waterman) Maurer. Rita grew up in a large, close-knit family that included a twin sister and 10 additional brothers and sisters. Rita met the love of her life, Mark Ziliak, in June of 1975 on the dance floor at Lamey’s when her necklace broke. Mark helped her find the necklace on the floor, and the rest is history. The two married on Aug. 9, 1980 at St. James. Mark was drawn to Rita’s bright spirit and contagious sense of joy, which made life more enjoyable for anyone who had the privilege of meeting her. Rita was the first to volunteer to beat you at clabber, the first to pull you onto the dance floor to jitterbug, and the first to strike up a conversation with a stranger … and walk away with a new friend. She also was the last to leave any party or celebration – never wanting the night to end. Rita, never realizing how special she was, often questioned what kind of legacy she would leave. Those who knew her undoubtedly would say her legacy is one of incredible love. Her big heart never stopped expanding to accommodate anyone who needed a helping hand or a little extra love. You always left a conversation with Rita feeling like a million bucks because she saw all your good qualities and never hesitated to tell you about them. She might let you know you’re the best mom, the greatest clabber player (though that title really belonged to her), the sweetest person, or the most beautiful person in the room. Though her heart had room for everyone, Rita reserved a special place in her heart for her kids and grandkids. As a young mom, Rita sacrificed vacations, new cars, and fancy clothes to be able to stay at home and raise her little ones. She never stopped taking care of her kids, though, even as adults. Rita spent some of her final good days making sure her kids would have everything they needed even after she was gone. Rita cherished the few years she had with her precious grandbabies. Mimi, as they called her, made life magical with surprise Amazon packages she sent to their doorsteps and egg hunts she organized at all times of the year because fun can’t be contained to Easter. The babies loved her so much that they would fight over who was able to sit on her lap at church. To say that Rita will be missed by many is an understatement. In addition to her husband of 40 years, Rita is survived by children, Adam Ziliak (Kim), Lindsey Ziliak, and Kelsey Halbig (Andy); grandchildren, Dylan Ziliak and Sadie and Lane Halbig; sisters, Judy Helmling, Mary Maurer, Dorothy Kuper (Mike), and Bet Bow (Jim); brothers, Paul Maurer (Patty), John Maurer (Gail), Mike Maurer, Donald Maurer (Holly), and Stephen Maurer (Karen); brothers-in-law, Mark Loehrlein, Joe Ziliak (Karen), Rick Ziliak (Jeri), Stan Ziliak (Kim), Wayne Ziliak (Kellie), Jeff Ziliak (Laura), Jon Ziliak (Laurie), and Roger Ziliak (Mary Ellen); sisters-in-law, Bobbie Biggs (Keevin) and Nancy Will (Terry); and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews, whom she loved. In addition to her parents, Rita was preceded in death by infant daughter, Jessica Rose; twin sister, Rose Loehrlein; brother, Kenny Maurer; brother-in-law Danny Ziliak; and mother- and father-in-law, Mary Ellen and Leonard Ziliak. Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 1 at Pierre Funeral Home, 2601 W. Franklin St., Evansville, Ind., and will continue from 9 to 10 a.m. Friday, July 2 at St. James Catholic Church, 12300 S. 50 W., Haubstadt, Ind. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10 a.m. Friday at the church, with Father Kenneth Betz officiating. Burial will follow at St. James cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. James Church or Fair Haven Foundation, which provides free housing to out-of-town families receiving treatments at Indianapolis hospitals. Donations to Fair Haven may be mailed to P.O. Box 441683, Indianapolis, IN 46244. Donations also may be made directly online at www.fairhavenfoundation.org. Rita’s family also encourages everyone to honor her generous and giving spirit by doing something nice for someone who needs a helping hand.

Rita Ziliak

February 17, 1957 - June 26, 2021