Rita Marie (Dunning) Naughtin, 90, of Grand Island, NE, formerly of Spalding, NE, peacefully left this world on Wednesday, December 27, 2017, in Grand Island, NE. Mass of Christian burial will be Saturday, December 30, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Leo's Catholic Church. The Rev. Mark A. Maresh will be the celebrant. Interment will be in St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery, Spalding, NE with a 3:30 p.m. committal service. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until service time at the church. Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family. Rita was born April 5, 1927 to Marguerite (Leonard) and Francis E. Dunning in Spalding, Nebraska. Rita lived most of her life in Spalding. She graduated from Spalding Academy in 1945. After working a year at the Soil Conservation Office as secretary and Spalding Appliance Store as clerk, she began her college education. Rita graduated from Saint Catherine Junior College outside Springfield, KY in 1948. She then accepted a teaching position at the Spalding Public School where she taught K-2 and music. She was the leading force in beginning a co-op/community band. Spalding Academy youngsters were invited to participate. Rita always had as her goal to continue her education. She organized many off-campus courses. She received credits from Wayne State, UNL, and St. Mary's in Omaha. She received her BAE in Elementary Education and Music K-12 from Wayne State College in 1969. In 1981 she received her MA in Elementary Education from Kearney State College. Rita taught at Spalding Public, Spalding Academy, and Wheeler Central Schools. She also taught District #38 in Greeley Co., Center #20 in Wheeler Co., and District #14 in Boone Co. After 32 years dedicated to teaching K-12 students she retired in 1988. On August 19, 1950, Rita married Michael B. Naughtin in Spalding. They were blessed with 8 children: Marguerite (Marvin Tremel), Michaeline (Gale Rieck), Michael (Glenda), Arthur, Arlene (Bob Schleicher), Ann (Michael Schlick), Roberta, and Richard. 21 Grandchildren: Jennifer, Jeff, Sara, Brian, Lyndsey, Stephanie, Julie, Carrie, Kim, Elise, Michaela, Audra, Isaac, Caitlin, Devin, Erin, Faith, Briana, Levi, Caleb, Jacob. 20 great-grandchildren and expecting another. Rita was preceded in death by her husband, parents, 2 brothers Robert and Leonard Dunning, daughter-in-law Cheryl (Swanson) Naughtin and great-granddaughter Navaeh Ambrose. Rita's life was spend doing all that she could to instill a love of music in her children and students. She was involved in providing music at St. Michael's Church in Spalding for over 50 years. She taught private music lessons to students in Spalding, Primrose, Cedar Rapids, and Greeley. Many of her students continued on with music as their career. Catholic Daughters of the Americas was always important to her. She held offices in the local court, served as District Deputy, and as I & II State Regents for eight years respectively. She was a charter member of Our Lady of Spalding Court #2099. Rita was president of the Spalding Senior Center for many years. She had numerous hobbies. She taught bridge to many enthusiasts. Playing card games of any kind was a most favorite past time. The ACE of Spades being her favorite card! She enjoyed yard work, especially tending to her variety of flowers. Rita was very fond of cooking and baking for others. She was well known for her delicious cinnamon rolls, angel food cakes with seven-minute frosting, and lemon cream pies. She found pleasure in travelling and bowling. Her greatest devotion was to her family. Until moving to Grand Island, Rita was a faithful, active member at Saint Michael's Catholic Church in Spalding where she served many years as choir director. In addition, she was a Lector and Eucharistic Minister. Rita was a lifetime member of the Saint Ann's Altar Society for which she was president for a number of years. Rita and Mike were strong supporters of Spalding Academy and volunteered many hours during their lives together. Rita also held the office of president of the Spalding Academy Alumni and was greatly honored to receive SA's distinguished alumnus for 2007. While living in Grand Island, attending Sunday masses continued to be of utmost importance. She was a member of St. Leo's Catholic Church. Rita celebrated her 90th birthday with family and friends at Primrose Retirement Community in April 2017. Rita inspired and touched the lives of many. She will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family to be designated at a later time. Your thoughts and prayers may be given at www.curranfuneralchapel.com under her obituary. Visitation St. Leo's Catholic Church Saturday, December 30, 2017 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM 2410 South Blaine Grand Island, Nebraska 68803 Mass of Christian Burial St. Leo's Catholic Church Saturday, December 30, 2017 10:30 AM 2410 South Blaine Grand Island, Nebraska 68803