Rita Rose Ralson

Rita Ralson
February 26, 1942 - April 26, 2026

Rita Ralson, age 84, of Tinley Park, Illinois, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2026. Born on February 26, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, to Joseph Vladika and Mary Burns. Rita lived a life rooted in love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to her family and community.

A lifelong resident of Tinley Park, Rita's story began like something out of a simpler time, meeting the love of her life, Bruce, on a hayride at the Tinley Teen Club. That chance meeting grew into a beautiful marriage that spanned 65 years, beginning on October 1, 1960, at St. George Catholic Church. Together, they built a life filled with joy, resilience, and deep family ties.

Rita was the heart of her home. A devoted wife and a wonderful, caring mother, she raised five children, Steven, James, Jeffrey, Mark, and Carolyn, with patience, humor, and endless support. She never missed a ballgame, proudly sat through countless practices and events, and was a familiar and comforting presence as a room mom and dedicated chaperone on school field trips.

Her hands were rarely still. Rita expressed her love through baking, creating everything from everyday treats to beautiful wedding cakes, as well as cakes for baptisms and First Communions. She shared her talents working at Jewel's Bakery, but her greatest joy was baking for those she loved. Her home and garden reflected her nurturing spirit, always full of life, warmth, and care.

Rita found happiness in life's simple pleasures. She loved bird watching, cheering on the Chicago Cubs and proudly "flying the W" after every win, playing bingo, bowling for many years, and staying busy with jigsaw puzzles and crossword puzzles. In her younger years, she was even known as a bit of a marksman at the Tinley Teen Club. She was a member of Lions Pool, a place where friendships were formed and memories made.

Above all, Rita loved to laugh. She had a gift for telling jokes and sharing them freely with friends and family, bringing lightness and joy wherever she went. She was truly everyone's friend, a woman whose kindness and warmth left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Rita is survived by her beloved husband of 65 years, Bruce; her children Steve Ralson, Jim (June) Ralson, Jeff (Rebecca Rokos) Ralson, Mark (Mandi) Ralson, and Carolyn (Mark) James; her cherished grandchildren Hanna (Lee) Heilig, Sara (Chris) Solomons, Mitchell, Ashley, Derek, Paige, Keller, and Marin; and her great-grandchildren Layla, Olivia, Joshua, and Archer. She is also survived by her siblings Mary Anne (Robert) Bailey, Charles Vladika, Dan (Mary Jo) Vladika, Thomas (Jan) Vladika, and Nancy VanderHye.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mary Vladika, and her brother William Vladika.

Visitation will be held Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until the time of chapel service at 3:00 p.m. at Vandenberg Funeral Home, 17248 S. Harlem Ave. Tinley Park Il 60477

Rita's legacy is one of love in action, in every meal shared, every game attended, every laugh given, and every life she quietly made better. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.