of Ames, IA
December 20, 1931 - October 21, 2022
Loretta "Rita" Marie (Beshoner) Lorenzo, 90, of Ames, Iowa passed away on Friday, October 21, 2022 at Green Hills Retirement Community. She was born on December 20, 1931 in Paris, Arkansas, the youngest of 8 children of Joe and Julia (Nehus) Beshoner and graduated from St. Scholastica Academy in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. She was united in marriage to Charles Lorenzo on May 14, 1955. She received sacraments from St. Cecilia's Catholic Church in Ames, Iowa, whose members would visit and commune with her.
Rita spent her youth, early adult life and most of her later years in Paris, Arkansas, where she was a member of St Joseph Catholic Church. Most of the rest of her life, including the time raising her children, was in Morrilton, Arkansas, where she was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Sacred Heart Altar Society.
Besides being a full time housewife and mother to 5 children, Rita was known to many as an accomplished seamstress. There was always a steady stream of customers with cloth, thread and pattern in hand, or clothing in need of alterations. She was the go to person for fitting your prom or beauty pageant formal. In later years, she took great joy in sewing for her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and many a neighbor child received a blanket, face towel or bib, machine embroidered with a Disney Character.
Rita is survived by one daughter, Marsha Riding of Las Vegas, Nevada; sons, Stephen Lorenzo of Longview, Texas, Dan Lorenzo and wife, Barb of Marshalltown, Iowa, David Lorenzo of Virginia and Philip Lorenzo and wife, Allison of Sugarland, Texas and one sister, Barbara Bordenet of Paris, Arkansas; three grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Charles Lorenzo; parents, Joseph Beshoner and Julia Nehus Beshoner; sisters, Estella Layes, Henrietta Riley and Sr. Carmen (Rosie) Beshoner and brothers, Lawrence Beshoner, Joe (Jody) Beshoner and Jerome Beshoner.
Rosary service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 27th, 2022 at Roller Funeral Home in Paris, Arkansas.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 28th, 2022 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with burial in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery both in Paris, Arkansas under the direction of Roller Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Craig Layes, Brent Layes, Steve Layes, Darian Layes, Gary Kaelin and Michael Toland.
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7 Condolence(s)
Melissa Lorenzo
Tuesday, October 25, 2022
Thank you all for the nice condolences about my grandmother. It helps my family out alot.
doris davis
Sunday, October 23, 2022
Barbara, I am so sorry to learn of Rita's death. May God be with you and your family.
Doris Davis
Paula O’Bar
Saturday, October 22, 2022
I still remember Charles and Rita and our special friendship. They were always so thoughtful and kind to us. Rest In Peace with your sweet spouse.
Celeste Fox
Saturday, October 22, 2022
Barbara and the entire family of Mrs. Lorenzo,
Although she lived a long, fruitful life, I know how difficult it is to lose her earthly presence. Once, she stopped me to give me a compliment about something. I didn't even know she knew who I was! May she rest in the peace of the Lord. Sincerely...
Larry Beshoner
Saturday, October 22, 2022
I will always remember our summers at “grandma’s house†with Dimp and Nookie. How many trips to Cove Lake we took to swim, making homemade ice cream garnering eggs from the hen house. Great memories. Rest In Peace with rest of your brothers and sisters.
Donna Nehus
Friday, October 21, 2022
I am so sorry to hear of Rita’s passing. I am so glad I got to know her. She was a very kind and loving lady. Please accept my condolences for the whole family and may she Rest In Peace. Love Donna
Kenneth and Lisa Vines
Friday, October 21, 2022
Our prayers are with all of you! Rita was a special lady, always delightful to visit and full of love for her family and our Lord! She and Charles are having a wonderful reunion!
Eternal rest grant unto her oh Lord!