Rita E. Mater, 86, died April 15, 2008 at Central Kansas Medical Center, Great Bend, Kansas. She was born May 4, 1921 at Delphos, Ohio, the daughter of August Fuerst and Theresa (Sefferneck) Fuerst. She married Fred J. Mater September 12, 1942 at Delphos, Ohio. He died November 21, 1997. Mrs. Mater was a homemaker, living in Great Bend since 1998, coming from the farm at Olmitz, Kansas. She was a member of the Prince of Peace Parish at St. Rose of Lima and the Altar Society, Great Bend; and a former member of St. Ann Catholic Church, Olmitz, and the VFW Auxiliary, Hoisington. Survivors include three sons: Ken Mater, Great Bend, Kansas; Gary Mater, Olmitz, Kansas; and Daniel Mater, Olmitz, Kansas; one step-brother, Urban Fuerst, Delphos, Ohio; two sisters, Augusta Van Autreve and Ella Lehmkuhle, both of Delphos, Ohio; six granchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Wake service will be at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, April 17, 2008 at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 18, 2008 at St. Ann Catholic Church, Olmitz with Father Ultan Murphy, celebrant. Burial will be at St. Ann Cemetery, Olmitz. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, April 17, 2008 at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the ALS - Keith Worthington Chapter or St. Ann Cemetery, both in care of the funeral home.