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Rita Nopoulos Carpenter, 72, of Casey passed away on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, surrounded by her three children at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines. A graveside memorial service will be held at 11 A.M. on Friday, January 20th at the Oakdale Cemetery in Adel, followed by a luncheon reception at the Casey Visitor Center in Casey, Iowa. Online condolences may be left at www.johnsonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Rita was born to Arnold and Winifred (Morris) Schmeling at the county hospital located in Dexter, Iowa on February 4, 1950. She was raised on what would become a century farm outside Casey, Iowa and experienced much of what rural life had to offer. She first attended the Walnut Center Rural School House before attending the newly formed Adair-Casey School District in 1958. She graduated with the A-C class of 1968.
After graduation Rita moved to Des Moines, Iowa and began working in the insurance industry. She worked for State Auto for several years, receiving multiple certifications through the Life Office Management Association.
On December 6, 1975, she was united in marriage to Jon Nopoulos of Stuart, Iowa at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Casey, Iowa. To this union three children were born: Teresa, Antony, and Nicholos. The family first made their home in Van Meter, Iowa, then moved to Adel, Iowa in 1986. During this time Rita stayed at home raising their 3 children. She returned to the workforce in 1992 working for the Dallas County Treasurer’s office.
In early 1994, Rita became a widow when Jon unexpectedly passed away. She went on to marry Graydon Larry Carpenter on July 9, 1997, during a trip to Hardin, Montana. The couple moved to southern Missouri in 2001 where the pair retired and lived on their homestead for close to 20 years. Unfortunately, Larry passed away in early 2018 which prompted Rita to move back to Casey, Iowa in 2021. Being her hometown, she was pleased to be no more than a few blocks away from a member of her family.
Mom taught us how to serve those we love. She was a living example of this philosophy. In her work life, she worked with the public and enjoyed helping everyone she could, usually going above and beyond. In her private life, she was a caregiver, in one capacity or another, in the end for her father, mother, brother, and husband Larry. She always looked at these situations as a privilege to serve those she loved. She was a humble woman who didn’t like attention. Family meant everything to Mom, and she was always supporting and encouraging her children and grandchildren.
Rita was an avid listener to talk radio, tradio-radio, coast-to-coast, AM/FM music, and everything in between. Turn on the radio and you will find a memory of her somewhere on the dial. In her spare time, she enjoyed being outside, raising chickens, gardening, bird watching, and sewing. She was a loyal fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Bears and enjoyed watching them when she could. Most of all, she treasured the time she was able to spend with her family and friends.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Arnold and Winifred Schmeling; husbands, Jon Nopoulos and Larry Carpenter; brother, Rickie Schmeling; brother-in-law, Steve Nopoulos and his wife Mary Nopoulos; and sister-in-law, Juanita Schmeling.
In addition to her ever faithful and tiny dog Quigley, Rita is survived by her children: Teresa (DJ) Cline of Hazel Green, WI, Antony Nopoulos of Las Vegas, NV, and Nicholos (Megin) Nopoulos of Des Moines; grandchildren: Ashlyn Cline, Elijah Cline, Arianna Nopoulos, Daphne Nopoulos, Jon Halas Nopoulos, Georgia Faye Nopoulos; siblings: Bruce (Sandy) Schmeling, Kenny Schmeling, and Donna (Kim) Hester; brothers-in-law, Craig (Kay) McCarthy and Tony (Peggy) Nopoulos; step-children: Teresa (Richard) Johnson, Larry (Diana) Carpenter, and Melissa (Doug) Rothfus; step-grandchildren: Michael (Allysa) O’Donnell, Bryan (Tonja) O’Donnell, Katelyn O’Donnell, Matthew (Paylyn) Waltz, Braydon Rothfus and Isabella Rothfus; and step-great-grand daughter: Kayla O’Donnell.
Rita also leaves behind those that held a special place in her heart, seeing them as far more than just a cousin, brother, sister, or niece. We will all miss your smile, your laugh, and your loyalty. You were simply the best, Mom. Take it easy, until we meet again.
To send flowers in memory of Rita Nopoulos Carpenter, visit the Tribute Store.
20
Jan
1015 Riverside Drive
Adel, IA 50003
1015 Riverside Drive
Adel, IA 50003
Johnson Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Stuart Chapel • 123 Northeast Secon Street, Stuart, IA 50250 • Phone: (515) 523-1200
Dexter Chapel • 814 Wash Ave. Box 57, Dexter, IA 50070 • Phone: (515) 789-4621
Earlham Chapel • 140 NW 2nd Street, Earlham, IA 50072 • Phone: (515) 758-2500
Redfield Chapel • 902 1st Street Box 404, Redfield, IA • Phone (515) 789-4621
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