Rita Belle Leibhart

Rita Belle Leibhart, 77, of Overton, Nebraska, passed away on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at her home in Overton. 

She was born on February 28, 1947, in Lexington, Nebraska to Junior W. and Catherine N. (Clark) Ward. She attended Lexington Public Schools and graduated from Lexington Senior High School with the class of 1966. She attended Mid Plains Community College in North Platte where she received her degree in nursing in 1972. After graduation, Rita began a lifelong career as a Licensed Practical Nurse and Traveling Nurse, traveling all around western Nebraska, dedicating over 40 years to helping people heal before retiring at 62. Rita also devoted many years teaching Sunday School at the Christian Church in Overton. 

On September 11, 1966, Rita was united in Marriage to the love of her life, Paul Leibhart at the Berean Bible Church in Lexington, Nebraska. Two children were blessed to this union: Cade and Amandae: along with stepdaughter Monica. The family spent some time living in Lexington before making their home in Overton in 1980. 

Rita was a passionate bookworm, spending her evenings reading her favorite romance novels. She refused to put a book down until she was finished. She was a woman who was always on the go and loved working with her hands, working on her crocheting projects and listening to her favorite singer, Elvis. In her younger years, Rita and Paul spent many weekends dancing the night away. Rita loved her family and enjoyed spending time with her children and always held a special place in her heart for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Those left to cherish her memory is her loving husband, Paul Leibhart of Overton; children, Cade (Leslie) Leibhart of Kearney, Amandae Peoples of Stella, North Carolina, and Monica Sleicher of Kearney; grandchildren, Austen Emmons, Cadelyn Leibhart, and Colten (Katelyn) Leibhart: Anabelle Peoples, Lily Peoples, Jay Peoples, Nick Peoples: Andrew Sleicher, Jacob Sleicher, Mark Sleicher,; great-grandchildren, Deston, Braylee, Lincoln, Nashville, Thaddeus, Jurnee, Bowan, Bronson, Kaidence, and Braelyn; as well as nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. 

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Junior Ward and Catherine Wood; stepfather, Lester Wood; brother, David Ward, and granddaughter, Sara Johnsen. 

Graveside Services with the Nebraska Nurse Honor Guard Tribute will be held on Friday, August 9, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Overton Cemetery in Overton with Pastor Dean Pofahl, officiating. Lunch will be served after services at the Overton Community Center. 

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 8, 2024, with the family receiving guests from 5-7 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. 

Memorials are kindly suggested to the family for later designation.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com