Rita Marie Staton

Rita Marie Staton, 96, Benson, MN, died Saturday, March 14, 2020, at the Meadow Lane Nursing Home in Benson, MN,  Visitation will be from 5–7 p.m., Thursday, May 13, 2021, with a Rosary at 4:30 p.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church in Benson.  Visitation will continue from 10–11 a.m., followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., Friday, May 14, 2021, at St. Francis Catholic Church.  Interment will be in the St. Bridget’s Catholic Cemetery in DeGraff, MN.  Arrangements are with Zniewski Funeral Home. www.zniewskifuneralhome.com

Rita Marie (McQuaid) Staton was born January 29, 1924 in Swift County, Minnesota, the daughter of John P. and Alice (McCann) McQuaid. She was baptized February 9, 1924 by Rev. P.J. Lucey at St. Bridget Catholic Church in DeGraff and confirmed July 6, 1937 by Archbishop John Gregory Murray in Benson. She grew up in the DeGraff and Benson area and attended Benson High School through the 11th grade. On June 6, 1942, Rita was united in marriage to Ralph “Joe” Edward Staton by Rev. E.J. Whelan at St. Paul Cathedral. This union was blessed with more than 51 years of marriage and eleven children. Rita and Joe lived in the Twin Cities, Benson, and Clontarf, Minnesota. Rita worked at Shell Café, Clontarf Club, Fingerhut, VFW, and the Clontarf Liquor Store.

Rita was a member of St. Malachy Mission, St. Malachy Council of Catholic Women, and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed playing bingo and cards, gardening, selling church raffle tickets, baking, watching the MN Twins, helping friends, spending time with all the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Rita was called from this life on Saturday, March 14, 2020, at Meadow Lane Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center. She attained the age of 96 years, 1 month, and 15 days. She is survived by her children: Dennis Staton, Sr. of Benson, John “Jack” (Deb) Staton of Benson, Michael Staton of Clontarf, Joseph Staton of Clontarf, David (Alice) Staton of Yankton, SD, James “Jim” (Rose Smith) Staton of Benson, Karen (Dennis) Geyer of Benson, Mark (Jean) Staton of Clontarf, and Thomas (Carol) Staton of Clontarf; daughter-in-law, Shirley Staton of Benson; 46 grandchildren; 84 great-grandchildren; and 33 great-great-grandchildren.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, John and Alice McQuaid; her husband, Ralph “Joe” Staton, Sr. on October 28, 1993; two sons, Ralph Staton, Jr. and Raymond Staton, Sr., Daughter-in-law, Linda Staton; great-grandson, Miles Staton; great-granddaughter, Courtney Staton; great-great-grandson twins, Grayson and Zane Staton; 5 sisters: Lucille Burns, Genevieve Lofgren, Mary Hennen, Alice Mc Quaid, and Ruth Rice; and 4 brothers: Walter McQuaid, Charles McQuaid, Joseph McQuaid, and John McQuaid. Blessed be the memory of Rita Marie Staton.