Rita Delanois

Rita (Rakausky) Delanois, 87, of Westville, Illinois passed away on June 6, 2018. Rita, a first generation American, was born on July 25, 1930 in Danville, Illinois. She is the daughter of Lithuanian Immigrant parents, Joseph and Susie Rakausky. She was a 1947 graduate of Westville High School. Rita was married to Donald Delanois on October 11, 1953 in Westville, Illinois, where they remained and built their family. She worked in the office at Westville High School for several years. While raising five children she earned her Master's Degree through the University of Illinois and became a beloved 4th grade teacher in the Bismarck school district. After retiring Rita became a substitute teacher in the Westville school system. Rita was a gifted musician, spending half her life as pianist and vocalist for the Lu George Orchestra. For years she was involved with the Danville Parks Departments summer talent shows. Rita also was an organist for St. Mary's Church. Prior to starting her family Rita moved to Chicago to pursue her dream of becoming a model. She did runway work and appeared on the fashion pages of Chicago newspapers. Many remember her likeness as a cardboard cutout for Flamingo Hair Products. Her "head" was in stores all over the country. Rita enjoyed travel, spending time with her family, and watching her grandchildren play sports. The family fondly remembers Sunday dinners and singing around the piano. In later years Rita enjoyed time spent with her companion, Bob Liebert (now deceased). Rita is survived by her children, Kenny (Cindy Povilaitis) Delanois, Bloomington, Il, Barbara (Don Archer) Delanois, Oakwood, Il, Linda (Rick) Liggett, Oreana, Il. Karyn Delanois, Westville, Il and Jain (John Kaspar) Delanois, Keller, TX, her sister, Patricia Rakausky and niece, JoAnne (David) Sherry, of Indianapolis, IN, her grandchildren Jennifer Delanois, Justin Bryant, Lindsay Jesteadt, John Delanois, Nathan Liggett, Kaylee Liggett and Dominik Povilaitis-Delanois and several great grandchildren. Rita is preceded in death by her husband, Donald Delanois, her parents, Joe and Susie Rakausky, goddaughter and niece, Cathy Hawes and great niece, Stephanie Sherry. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the St. Mary's Foundation of Westville, Illinois. The family wishes to thank Colonial Manor and Carle Hospice for their support during this difficult time. They also give special thanks to one of Rita's longtime caregivers Barb Murray. "Her song has ended, but her melody lingers on........." A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00pm, Saturday, June 9, 2018, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 231 N State St, Westville, with Father Timothy Saupp officiating. Visitation will be 11:00am to 1:00pm, Saturday, at Sunset-Urbas Funeral Chapel, 414 S. State St., Westville. She will be laid to rest at a later date in Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Westville. Please join her family in sharing memories, photos, & videos through her Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.