Reita Gronewoller, Beloit
October 19, 1922 - December 23, 2021
Reita Louise (Flinn) Gronewoller, daughter of Lloyd and Esther Marie (Wilmeth) Flinn, was born October 19, 1922 in Randall, Kansas. She passed from this life on December 23, 2021, at the age of 99.
Reita attended school in Randall and graduated with the class of 1940. She competed in women’s basketball and played the clarinet throughout school. Reita earned her teaching certificate from Fort Hays College. She taught four years in rural Jewell County schools and one year at St. John’s Catholic School in Beloit.
Reita met Harold eight months prior to him being drafted. Reita and Harold wrote two letters per week and postponed wedding plans while Harold was serving overseas during World War II. On April 23, 1946 Harold and Reita wed at St. John’s Catholic Church in Beloit and were active members of the parish. Reita and Harold had one son, Francis L. Gronewoller.
The family spent 50 years on the farm near Asherville raising cattle, hogs, chickens, and crops. Reita was a farm wife, driving the tractor and taking trucks to the elevator alongside Harold. She always had a large garden and canned fruits, vegetables and jelly. She was excellent at bookkeeping and kept meticulous books for the farming operation as well as the Beloit Livestock office. Reita and Harold moved to Beloit in September of 2000.
Reita enjoyed traveling, entertaining, and visiting family and friends. She always had a place for her extended family at her table. Reita loved playing pitch, pinochle, and bingo. Reita was a member of the St. John’s Catholic Parish, Ladies’ Guild, was the 6th District President of the VFW auxiliary. She and Harold were members of the Beloit Square Dance club and the Simpson Senior Center. She loved watching sporting events, especially if her grandchildren were competing.
She was preceded in death by her parents Lloyd and Esther (Wilmeth) Flinn; husband Harold Gronewoller; sibling Milford Flinn; sister-in-law Nella Rose Flinn; sister-in-law Mary Flinn Cramer; grandchild Darrell Gronewoller.
Reita will forever be remembered by her son Francis L. Gronewoller and wife Nancy of Beloit; sibling Lyle Flinn of Jewell; grandchildren Dawn Massey and husband Lanny of Lyndon, Debra Wright and husband Scott of Beloit, Darin Gronewoller and wife Megan of Beloit, Darcel Stallbaumer and husband Kevin of Baileyville; great-grandchildren, Khylee Massey, Kaedin Massey, Olivia Wright, Gavin Wright, Wade Gronewoller, Whitley Gronewoller, Wesley Gronewoller, Willa Gronewoller, Jase Stallbaumer, Koy Stallbaumer, Kinsly Stallbaumer; many nieces and nephews, other relatives, friends and community members.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, December 28 at the St. John's Catholic Church. A rosary service will be at 7 p.m. Monday, December 27 at the Roberts Family Funeral Home, and visitation will be from 4 p.m. until the rosary service begins.
Memorials may be given to Solomon Valley Hospice or the church.
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