Rita Lorraine (Seffrood) (Harmon) Reid, age 75, of Winnebago, formerly of Monroe, passed away on Thursday, October 28, 2021 at Mercy Health Hospital in Rockford. Born on April 23, 1946 in Monroe, WI to Vernus and Kathren (Jennings) Seffrood. Rita attended St. Victor’s Catholic Grade School and Monroe schools; she was a 1964 graduate of South Wayne High School. She earned her teaching degree from the UW-Platteville in 1968. Rita was married to Edwin Harmon, together they had two sons. She was later united in marriage to William “Bill” Reid on July 3, 1981 in Winnebago, IL.

Rita was a high school history teacher for the Iowa-Grant Schools in Wisconsin. She later moved to Rockford and worked for the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services-Child Welfare for 24 years before her retirement. She was a talented quilter and was a member of Sinnissippi Quilters in Rockford; she also taught quilting and heirloom sewing. Rita loved animals, cared for countless stray cats, and was a member of the ASPCA. She was a strong advocate for women's rights. Rita was an avid reader, mostly of fiction, history, and content related to current events. Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren. Rita was a longtime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pecatonica, IL; where she and Bill renewed their wedding vows in the Catholic faith.

Rita was a fierce supporter of, and fighter for her family and friends. She was generous with her time, energy, and resources. Rita will be greatly missed by all who loved and depended on her.

Rita is survived by her husband of 40 years, Bill; her sons, Christopher (Jessica) Harmon and Garrick Harmon; grandchildren, Ryder, Lauren, and Colette; and sisters, Sharon Clark and Vicki (Howard) Moore.

She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Edwin; brother, Roger Seffrood; sister-in-law, Joanne Seffrood; sister, Colleen Deininger; brother-in-law, Frank Deininger; and brother-in-law, Kenny Clark.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11AM on Friday, November 5, 2021 at St. Clare of Assisi Parish at St. Victor’s Catholic Church with Father Tafadzwa Kushamba as celebrant. Burial will follow service in Calvary Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Friday from 10AM until the time of service, at the church. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local animal shelter, or adopt a shelter pet in the future.

Shriner Hager Gohlke Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at: shriner111.com.