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April 27, 1946 – February 25, 2025
Rita Marilyn Hauck (Raatz), of Peachtree Corners, GA, went to be with her Lord, Jesus Christ, and her late husband, L. Christian “Chris” Hauck, on February 25, 2025. Rita was born on April 27, 1946, in Los Angeles, California, to Malcolm and Faye Raatz, and later, after her father’s passing, was raised by her stepfather, Reuel K. Attwood.
Rita is survived by her children, Leslie F. Hauck III and Christian T. Hauck. She is also remembered fondly by her extended family and many friends, including those who were part of her church family and her PEO sisters. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Chris, who passed away in 2021.
Rita and Chris met in California after she had previously dated his younger brother. Their connection, facilitated by Chris’s sister, Louise, led to a beautiful marriage and life together. They spent many years in Montrose, CO, and Hays, KS, before returning to Montrose. Following Chris’s passing, Rita moved to Georgia to be with her son, Christian and his family.
A lifelong traveler, Rita had a deep love for experiencing new places. She was especially passionate about visiting her two sons, her “daughters-in-love”, and their grandchildren—and with both sons serving in the U.S. Air Force, she could be found traveling across the world. She was also an avid gardener and found great joy in nurturing both plants and relationships.
Rita’s faith and love for God were central to her life. She was an active member of her church, where she led a small group and served with the children’s ministry. She had a deep commitment to worship and enjoyed being involved with her church family. Most recently, Rita was a member of Victory Church in Norcross, GA, where she found fulfillment in serving Him.
A patient soul with a gift for teaching and leadership, Rita excelled in her academic and professional pursuits. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in 1965 and a Master’s in Special Education in 1972 from California State University. After her sons left for college, Rita went on to earn a PhD from the University of Kansas. She then became a tenured professor at Fort Hays State University in Hays, KS, instructing educational technologies, and continued to teach as a distance learning instructor even after returning to Colorado.
The memorial service will be held on March 22, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Victory Church, 5905 Brook Hollow Parkway, Norcross, GA (Atlanta). Rita’s family and church family invite all to join in celebrating her life and legacy.
Rita’s life was a testament to her faith, love for others, and dedication to service. In the words she wrote on her “in case of emergency” card: “Only one life, twill soon pass; only what’s done for Christ will last.”
Georgia Cremation in Duluth is assisting the family with arrangements.
Stephen D’Andrea says
Both Chris and beautiful Rita were the most amazing people that I had ever met. They would write me and come to visit me when I was incarcerated. They showered me with love and shared the word of God with me. They drew me closer to the Lord. They believed in me when most of society had given up. Upon being released, after 25.5 years of incarceration, I was blessed to be able to go to Montrose several times to visit both Chris and Rita shortly before Chris passed. I sat near Rita at Chris’s celebration of life. She reminded me that Chris was now in glory and not to be sad. As the years passed, Rita became friends with my wife, Teresa. She would text us warm, loving messages. We would text back-and-forth sharing what we had going on in life or wishing the other person a happy birthday or a merry Christmas. She shared her love for her children with us. I wish I had the honor of getting to know all of you better but life gets very busy. I just want to send nothing but a huge amount of love to all of you. And while I am sure you’re sad I want to remind you of what Rita reminded me of. They’re home now. May God bless all of you fill your life with abundance. Time is the most valuable asset that we have in this life. It was an absolute pleasure to share some of mine, with both Chris and Rita. Because of your parents I am a dedicated husband, home owner, doggy dad, trusted friend, fisher of men, Alpha Leadership Leader and all around decent man. Chris and Rita set me on this path. They will both be missed until I go home to glory.