Sarris, Rita 1928-2025 St. Joseph, Mo.

Rita Sarris, 96, passed away, Sunday, March 2, 2025. She was born Aug. 17, 1928, to Guy and Margie (Wilmot) Cianciolo, in St. Joseph, and lived here most of her life.

Rita graduated from the Sacred Heart Convent and Missouri Western State University. From 1949 through 1953 she was a lab technician at Huron Road Hospital, in Cleveland, Ohio, and Missouri Methodist Hospital, in St. Joseph. In 1970 she became a teacher in the St. Joseph School District at Bode Middle School, retiring in 1985.

In 1953 Rita married Gus Sarris. They had three children.

Rita is survived by two daughters, Tina and Becky, and one son. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Jay, Taira, and Breaunna, and two great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gus; brother, Anthony Cianciolo; and sisters, Margie Francis and Connie Sullivan.

Rita was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish. A family graveside service will be held.

Donations may be made to our Lady of Guadalupe or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.