Sister Rita Ann Mazanec died February 27, 2024, at Nazareth Motherhouse in Concordia, KS.  She was 94 years old and a Sister of St. Joseph for 73 years.  She was born in Colby, KS on February 3, 1930 to Adolph and Hattie Kobza Mazanec, the sixth of seven children, and was baptized Irene Joan.  She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph, Concordia, Kansas on September 8, 1949.  On March 18, 1950, Irene received the habit of the Sisters of St. Joseph and was given the name Sister Rita Ann.  She pronounced first vows on August 15, 1951 and final vows on August 15, 1954.

Sister Rita Ann received an BA degree in History from Marymount College in 1968.  She taught primary grades in Aurora, IL; Tipton, Plainville and Aurora, KS; Fairbury, NE, Beloit and Oakley, KS for a total of 42 years.  After retirement she moved to Concordia and did various duties and served as bookkeeper for the community.  In 2007 she moved to the Motherhouse.

Sister Rita Ann was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and three sisters.  A Bible Vigil Service will be held February 29 at 7:00 p.m. in the Nazareth Motherhouse Auditorium with Sister Marilyn Wall as the eulogist.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be March 1 at 10:30 a.m. in the Motherhouse Auditorium with Father Barry Brinkman presiding.  The burial will be in the Nazareth Motherhouse Cemetery.  Chaput-Buoy Mortuary, 325 W. 6th St., Concordia, KS is in charge of arrangements.  Memorials for Sister Rita Ann Mazanec may be given to the Sisters of St. Joseph Health Care/Retirement Fund or the Apostolic Works of the Sisters; P.O. Box 279, Concordia, KS  66901.  For online condolences, please visit www.chaputbuoy.com.