Rita Marie Plotner

Rita Marie Plotner, 90, passed away peacefully in her recliner on February 22, 2026 in Danville, Illinois. Rita was born March 11, 1935 in rural Oakwood to Frank and Allie (Hobbs) Fletcher. She is preceded in death by her parents, siblings, son Mark E. Plotner, daughter-in-law Angela Plotner, and husband of 67 years, Harry Frederick Plotner.

Rita is survived by one son, Erik (Janette) Plotner; eight grandchildren: Kayli, Aaron, Allie, Mark E II, Raymond, Amanda, Hunter and McKayla; six great-grandchildren: Hadley, Ava, Ayden, Aarley, Angela and Aurelia; beloved extended son Jason (Stacey) Norton, daughters-in-love Rhonda Ratliff and Christine Anderson, as well as dozens of cousins, nieces and nephews, family and friends. The family would also like to thank the staff at the Villas of Holly Brook assisted living facility in Danville for their love and care in her final years.

Rita graduated from Armstrong High School in 1953 and worked as a secretary, accountant, and office manager at Illinois Power Company for 44 years. Rita deeply valued her community and her relationship with the Lord, serving in various roles at Oakwood Christian Church for more than 30 years. She enjoyed singing in the choir, often practicing her hymns at home. The youngest of five siblings, Rita loved being around her large family, often hosting dinners and baking desserts for anyone who might stop by.

Raised on the banks of the Middle Fork River in a house that didn’t have electricity until she was a teenager, Rita was notorious for saving everything from clothing to bread ties because “you just never know when you might need it.” A lover of the outdoors, Rita enjoyed gardening, listening to - and talking to - the birds, mushroom hunting, and camping. She was a proud mother and grandmother, who attended as many sporting events, awards ceremonies, and life events as possible, often cheering louder than anyone else in the stands.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, March 2, 2026 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois, 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Illinois 61834. Pastor Chris Atwood will officiate. Rita will be laid to rest next to her husband, Harry, at Oakwood Cemetery in Oakwood, Illinois. Visitation will be held from 2:00-4:00 PM on Sunday, March 1, 2026 at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made in Rita’s memory to the Oakwood Christian Church.

Please join Rita’s family in sharing memories, photos, and videos of her life through her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.