Rita Jolene Apel, age 77, of Nevada, Iowa, passed away Saturday, February 28, 2026, surrounded by her family at UnityPoint Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines.

Rita was born October 14, 1948, in Mapleton, Iowa, the daughter of Clifford and Cecil (Kratz) Jordan. She graduated from Maple Valley High School. Rita earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Northern Iowa and her master's degree from Viterbo University.

Rita taught middle school in Nevada for 25 years, where she shared her love of learning in English, Spanish, French, Iowa History, and Health. While teaching, she also volunteered with People to People, which allowed her to chaperone students to over 10 countries.

She was an active member of the Heartland Baptist Church in Ames. She was involved with the Special Olympics and the Harmony Clothing Closet in Nevada, and each year she volunteered at the UNI booth at the Iowa State Fair. Rita was a supporter of Iowa Public Television and the Blank Park Zoo.

She loved spending time with her family and cheering on her grandkids in their various activities. Together they frequented the Blank Park Zoo, Des Moines Science Center, Living History Farms, and Reiman Gardens. Rita enjoyed traveling and attending Irish concerts and festivals. She took pride in photographing all 99 county courthouses in Iowa and was working on photographing each county's Freedom Rock. She had a special place in her heart for animals, especially her cats, T.K. and Dibbun.

Rita is survived by her son, Matt (Becky) Apel of Dike; her grandchildren, Nick Apel (Madison Kamp) of Cedar Falls, and Lora Apel (Austin Schwake) of Iowa City; and her sister-in-law, Shirley Jordan of Blair, Nebraska.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Robert Jordan.

A memorial service honoring Rita's life will be held Saturday, March 14th, 2026 at 1:00 PM at the Heartland Baptist Church in Ames. Visitation will be held from 12:00 pm until the time of the memorial service. Private burial will take place at Kennebec Cemetery in Castana, Iowa at a later date.

Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada has been entrusted with the arrangements for Rita. Condolences may be shared with her family online at www.rasmussonfh.com.