Rita Staples

Rita Joy Staples , “Zhaawanigiizhigookwe” age 69, of Danbury, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 2, 2018 at her home. Rita was born on November 6, 1948 in Hartford, CT, to parents, Theresa (Wages) and Charles Chadwick. On June 16, 1990, Rita married Sander Staples at the Evangelical Free Church in Danbury. Rita enjoyed beading, crocheting, knitting, quilting, buckskin leather work, making moccasins and designing traditional regalia. She also liked music and loved going to karaoke nights with family and friends. Rita wrote a column for the Intercounty Leader titled “Thoughts of Joy” for many years. Rita was a social butterfly who truly touched everyone’s heart. She will be deeply missed. Preceding Rita in death are her parents; daughter, Terri Robbyn; brother, Lawrence Chadwick; and special sister-in-law, Wanda Staples. Rita is survived by her loving husband of 28 years, Sander Staples; children: John Bruce, Jeannie Hall and Michelle Staples; sister, Gloria (Walter) Hills and Sandra (Fred) Bullis; grandchildren: Eric, Amanda, Allison, Lindsey, Ashley and Brian; great-grandchildren: Harley, Zoey and Harper; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Friends may call after 6:00pm on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at the Danbury Tribal Hall. Funeral Service to begin at 10:00am on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at the Danbury Tribal Hall with Lee Staples officiating. Interment will be held at the Danbury Cemetery. Pallbearers are: Joe Matrious Jr., Elijah Benjamin, Jim Wakefield, Shawn Songetay, Larry Livingston and Dean Daniels. Honorary Pallbearers are: Jeff Fallstrom, Jack Eastman, Lester Sutton and Michael Bearhart. Arrangements have been entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home in Webster. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com