Rita Louise Buenger

Rita Louise Buenger was born June 18, 1957, in Washington D.C., to Judith Tema (Glickman) and Joseph Cohen. She passed away on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, surrounded by her family in Willow Springs, Missouri, at the age of 69. Rita graduated from Franklin High School and retired from McIntosh Associates, where she was a Project Administrator for over 30 years.

To know Rita was to love her. She lit up every room she entered. Rita was as beautiful inside as she was outwardly, and her warmth could be felt immediately by everyone she met. Whether someone was family, a dear friend, or a perfect stranger, she offered endless kindness and compassion. Her heart knew no bounds.

Rita was fierce, resilient, and truly a force to be reckoned with. She had a tremendous thirst for life and always made the most of it. She loved traveling, dancing, and reading her favorite book in the warm, fresh air. Most of all, she cherished the time she spent with the people she loved.

Rita shared a very special bond with her mother, father, and sisters, Sharon, and her spouse Sheldon, and Beth, and her spouse Andy. She created a beautiful life full of love with her first husband, Scott, and their two children, Annie and Bryce, along with Annie’s husband, Evan, and Bryce’s wife, Gus. Years after Scott’s passing, Rita reconnected with her high school sweetheart, John Buenger. Later, they married and shared 12 incredible years together. Rita was immediately accepted into the Buenger family and immensely loved by John’s two sons, Patrick and Sean, and their wives, Jessica and Jenna.

Rita lived a full and meaningful life that ended far too soon. After being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, she faced the disease, with incredible strength and grace, for seven years. Her love, courage, generous heart, and bright spirit will be deeply missed, and forever remembered, by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Preceding her in death are her father and her first husband, Scott Sherman Klein.

Rita is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, mother, and sisters. Her memory and legacy will live on through her beloved grandchildren: Ella, Wyatt, Garrett, Aubrey, Olivia, Henry, and grandson, due in December.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made in Rita’s name to the Ozarks Medical Center in West Plains, Missouri at www.ozarkshealthcare.com or to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Help, at Alzheimer's Association .