Rita M. Benker, 71, of Rock Island passed away October 5, 2022 in La Porte, IN after a courageous 6-year battle with cancer.

Rosary will be at 3:30 PM with visitation following from 4-6:00 PM on Monday, October 10 at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island.  Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs. Benker will be held at 10 AM at St. Pius X Catholic Church Rock Island on Tuesday, October 11.  Inurnment will be in Calvary Mausoleum, Rock Island. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or Jordan Catholic School.

Rita was born November 20, 1950 in Rock Island, the daughter of Frank Aloysius Wahlheim and Audree Rose Lerch Wahlheim.  She was a 1968 graduate of Alleman High School and graduated from Marycrest College in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology (Medical Technology).

Rita Married Leroy J. Benker June 30, 1973 in Rock Island.

Rita was a member of the Quad Cities African Violet Club, member and Past President of the Rock Island Junior Women's Club and a member of Jordan Catholic Home and School.

Rita was employed by Franciscan Hospital and Medical Arts, Moline.

Rita is survived by daughter and her spouse Julie and Quentin Wadle, and their children Sam, Noah, Maria, Elizabeth, Anne Marie, Timothy, Dominic, Benjamin, Jeremiah, and Ignatius, La Porte IN, her son Scott Benker, Rock Island and her brothers and their spouses, Tom and Mary Ellen Wahlheim, Spring TX, Gerry and Mary Wahlheim Chicago, IL.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband and infant daughter.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.wheelanpressly.com