Rita Kathleen was born on November 1, 1946, in Atlantic, IA to Ernest and Ethel (Holaday) Harris. She graduated from Atlantic High School in 1964. She married Barry D. Biggs on June 26, 1965 in Anita, IA at the United Methodist Church. Kathleen, or Kathy, as she was known in her younger years, grew up on her parents' farm outside of Wiota, IA. She helped her mother with chores, gardening and feeding the chickens. She often recalled her days of growing up on the farm with great fondness. She won three trophies as an "expert marksman" from the Cass County Conservation Club in 1960, 1961 and 1962. She enjoyed flowers and gardening. She especially loved lilies and roses. After high school graduation, she pursued her education and finished her Bachelor of Education degree at Simpson College in Indianola. After graduation, she became a teacher and loved teaching her students in several Des Moines elementary schools. Later, she also worked as a substitute teacher. Rita Kathleen was a member of the East Side Church of the Nazarene in Des Moines and her faith in the Lord never wavered. For years, she sang joyfully in the choir. She had a beautiful singing voice and loved music. She skillfully played the piano and gave lessons to many. Rita Kathleen was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Rita and Barry enjoyed dozens of family vacations together throughout the western United States. Their favorite place was Glacier Park in Montana. Their annual camping trips with the Dennys created countless wonderful family memories. Rita Kathleen always had a smile for everyone! She was always kind, gentle and generous, and her family, children, and grandchildren were her raison d'etre. She was an encouragement to all. Rita Kathleen Biggs was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers Dean, Duane, and Garald Harris. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Barry, her daughter Rachelle (George) Tuttle and son Travis (Nicole) Biggs, as well as grandsons Ryan Catron and Kenneth and Elias Biggs.
Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at Sunset Memorial Chapel at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 7601 Fleur Drive in Des Moines. Her funeral will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, June 2, 2022 in the chapel. Interment will follow at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery near Van Meter at 12:30 p.m. To view a livestream of the funeral service, please click on the following link: https://player.vimeo.com/video/715546478
Online condolences may be left on her Legacy.com obituary page here: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/rita-biggs-obituary?id=34971535
