Margherita “Rita” L. Grundhauser

Grundhauser, Margherita (Rita) L. (nee: Baker) of St. Charles, MO, died on Monday, April 10, 2017 at the age of 86. She was the loving wife of the late Dr. J. Walter Grundhauser; beloved daughter of the late John and Lois Baker; sister of the late Robert Baker; devoted mother of Paul (Michelle Bagatti) Grundhauser, Maggie (Charles) Haller, Michael (Joan) Grundhauser, Lisa (Steve Berman) Grundhauser, John (Lois Weismantle) Grundhauser, Rita Grundhauser, Mary (Bruce) James, Stephen (Cathy) Grundhauser, and Terri (Mike) Brugnara. She was a loving grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, niece, and friend to many.

Rita was born on November 29, 1930 in Leavenworth, Kansas and was the first child of John Edward Baker and Lois Coon Baker. As a child, her family took road trips to Colorado, Maine, and Massachusetts, which her mother planned meticulously with the help of printed travel guides. After skipping two grades in school, Rita began her studies at Lindenwood College in St. Charles, Missouri in 1947 at the age of 16. She later graduated summa cum laude with a dual degree in Biology and English. It was at Lindenwood that she met her future husband, Dr. J. Walter Grundhauser, when she enrolled in his freshman biology class; as the star student, she later became his teaching assistant. Rita and Walt married in August 1951, and their first child was born the following year. They went on to have 8 more children over the next 12 years. One of their favorite activities as a couple was to take short road trips around Missouri to explore the history of various churches and cemeteries together. It was a tradition they passed down to their children, whose childhoods were marked with an annual Good Friday ritual of visiting churches in St. Charles and St. Louis with their father.

In her late thirties, while caring for nine children, Rita returned to school to earn her teaching certificate from Lindenwood College and completed her student teaching in the Soulard area of St. Louis. She went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Psycholinguistics from Saint Louis University. At the age of 40, Rita began her 25-year career in the Francis Howell School System teaching children with learning differences. The love she showed her own family extended easily to her students, whom she taught and guided with patience, understanding, love, and care. Rita retired from teaching when she was 65, though she continued her work with children as a tutor for several more years.

Rita was a loving grandmother (Nana) to 23: Marty, Nick, Erin (Josh), Gabe (Brooke), Meade (Tin), Rosemary, Grace, John (fiancé Beth), Daniel, Claire, Elsa (Mike), Sophie (Ashley), Michael, Kyle (Kim), Jacob (Daisy), Nathan (Danielle), Melanie (Vamsi), Chelsea (Chris), Will, Collin, Marcie (Rob), Julie (Scott), and Tina (Jason). She also was a doting great-grandmother (Grandnana) to 13 great-grandchildren: Everett, Jasper, Evelyn, Charlie, Wyatt, Eva, Lucas, Kiran, Kethan, Brendan, Colton, Zoey, and Sam. The pride, love, and understanding that each of her descendants felt from her was profound and deep.

But in reality, Rita was everybody’s mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Blood relationships were less important to her than ones that were bound by love – and of those, she had many. Rita excelled at developing deep, meaningful connections with every person she met – even those who knew her only briefly. Her spirit was one that delighted in learning about people and making them feel understood, accepted, and loved. An avid gardener, Rita was a natural nurturer. This translated not only into her lush and colorful backyard garden, but also into each and every relationship she had with people, and with her pets – a string of enormous dogs tamed instantly into adoration for her. She was brilliant and down-to-earth, wise and curious, loving and discerning, all in equal measure. There was always room in her heart, and time in her day, for one more person to love, to hug, to counsel, and to gently envelop in total acceptance.

Rita was a devout Catholic, a deeply spiritual person who took great pleasure in learning from and taking part in the traditions and customs of other faiths. For over 50 years, she was a beloved member of a local theology discussion group. A true lifelong learner, Rita found joy in broadening and adapting her own perspective on any issue – whether through conversation with others or sharing a favorite book or TV program.

Though Rita has passed on physically, her spirit lives on in all those who were privileged to know her. Her relatives and friends will continue to honor her love, her light, and her example.

Memorials may be made to Father Bob’s Outreach (associated with St. Augustine Parish), which supports families and children in need in North St. Louis. Please forward contributions made payable to “Father Bob’s Outreach” to Baue Funeral Home, 620 Jefferson St., St. Charles, Missouri, 63301. Call 636-940-1000 with questions.