Rita A. Sackett

Rita A. Sackett, age 75, of Preston, Minn., died on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at Mayo Clinic Hospital – St. Marys Campus in Rochester, Minn.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 11, 2024, from 2-5 p.m. at The Club Bar and Veterans Organization, 217 Saint Paul St. SW in Preston, Minn.  Inurnment for Rita will be in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Preston.

Rita Ann Doherty was born on April 9, 1949, daughter of Cletus and Allene (Ericson) Doherty in Preston, Minn.  She graduated from Preston High School in 1968 and went on to receive a diploma in the Medical Course at Winona Secretarial School.  Rita worked for the Mayo Clinic until she married.  On April 17, 1971, Rita married Clifford Sackett at St. Columban Catholic Church in Preston.  To this union, two daughters were born, Michelle and Denise.  Rita’s love for her own children and other people’s children led her to become an in-home daycare provider for 30-plus years.  She adored helping raise the children of her community.

Rita kept her hands busy piecing together quilt squares, making sure all the corners were perfect.  She made quilts for her family and always had a few “UFO” unfinished objects near her sewing machine.  She belonged to quilting clubs in Preston and Rochester.  Along with collecting fabric, Rita had an extensive crystal collection.  Rita looked forward to her daily walks and putting together puzzles.  She enjoyed her home in Florida, Wisconsin Dells, and camping and boating in Red Wing, Minn., with her grandchildren.  Rita was a member of St. Columban Catholic Church where she taught Sunday School, was a 4-H leader, and member of the Preston VFW Auxiliary.  Rita was known to have a sweet tooth.  A bowl of ice cream and some candy would always put a smile on her face. 

She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Clifford Sackett of Preston, Minn.; two daughters, Michelle (Chad) Gehling of St. Cloud, Minn., and Denise (Scott) Mueller of Rochester, Minn.; five grandchildren: Tori Gehling and Ross Gehling, both of St. Cloud, Minn., and Garrett Alberts of Byron, Minn., and Devin Mueller and Danika Mueller, both of Rochester, Minn.; brother Duane (Pat) Doherty of Racine, Minn.; sister Sandra (Bill) Luce of Wykoff, Minn.; sister-in-law Deb Doherty of Byron, Minn.; and many nieces and nephews.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents Cletus and Allene, brother Jim Doherty, nephew Carl, two infant nieces, and an infant nephew.