Rita Pangborn Thies

Rita was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and enjoyed cooking Sunday dinners. She also enjoyed traveling with family and friends. Rita enjoyed her many years working in the shoe departments at Sidey’s and Kobackers. She was a member of the Laona United Methodist Church where she was a Sunday school teacher and sang in the adult choir. Rita was a very talented singer and had a sweet soprano voice. Many times she was a soloist at Star meetings, weddings, and at church services.

Rita is survived by her husband, Kenneth Kent Thies, they would have celebrated their 71 Wedding anniversary on Dec. 16; her children: John Thies, Dorien (Russell) Krieger and Larry (Kathleen) Thies; grandchildren: John E. (Adrien) Thies, Melissa (Dan) Seavy, Elizabeth (Amanda) Thies, Marcus (Kathryn) Thies and Matthew (Kelly) Thies; great-grandchildren: Grace and Dominic Seavy, Annabelle Thies, Benton and Bria Thies, Madeline and Sarah Romero and also by Eileen Small, David Small; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Rita was predeceased by her sisters: Iris McDermott and Patricia (Trish) Pangborn; her brother Harold (Bud) Pangborn; and great-grandson Will Wicklem.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rita’s name may be made to Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care, 20 W. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, NY 14750 or Laona United Methodist Church, 9636 Wilson Road, Fredonia, NY 14063.

The family would like to thank Chautauqua Hospice staff especially, Denise, Kala and Phil and also her aides Joni Fulcherino and Reanna Tarnowski for their excellent care.

Funeral services are being provided and cared for by the MORSE FUNERAL HOME, 51 Highland Ave. Brocton, NY 14716. Funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family with a celebration of life to be scheduled at a later date.

To leave a message of sympathy or share a story with Rita’s family. Log on to; www.themorsefuneral home.com