Rita Honn, 78, of Brooklyn, IA died at her home on Monday, March 23, 2026.

Rita Fay (Coblentz) Honn was born the daughter of Dannie and Anna Maree (Gross) Coblentz on August 20, 1947, in Iowa City, Iowa. She was raised in North Liberty, Iowa, and graduated from University High School with the Class of 1965. She continued her education at Mercy College of Nursing, where she earned her degree in nursing.

Rita was united in marriage to William Honn September 27,1969, and to this union, a daughter, Tara, was born. The two later divorced. Rita had a partner in life with Laddie Conklin for 35 years. The couple made their home in the North Liberty and Solon area, where they owned and operated Pleasant View Ranch and Livery, Sugar Bottom Enterprises, and Lazy L Rodeo. Rita and Laddie moved to Wabash, Indiana to be with Tara and their favorite grandson Keegan in 2013.

Rita dedicated over thirty years of her life to caring for others as a nurse in surgery at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City. She truly loved her work and the people she served.

Above all else, Rita cherished her family. She loved every moment spent with them and will forever be remembered as "Everyone's Nana." Though small in stature, she would put up a good fight, even Laddie tucked his tail and ran when she was mad. Nana loved so many people, family, "framily", you know who you all are, and friends. She was a ranch and rodeo Mom to many because she had such a loving heart she took all under her wing.

Rita enjoyed spending time watching her favorite television shows, including Chicago Med, Chicago P.D., Chicago Fire, Grey's Anatomy, Yellowstone, NASCAR, Iowa Hawkeye Football and other football games, especially alongside her daughter Tara, and grandson Keegan. In Wabash, Nana acquired numerous family members with chosen family including another grandson, and five great-grandchildren that she loved spending time with. Rita loved country music and attended numerous concerts with her family, loved going to the actual NASCAR Races, had a fondness for Mexican food and never turned down a good margarita or two. In Brooklyn she continued making memories with trips out west, Monday Night Meals, and Bike Night at the Front Street Tap. Oh the stories!

Rita is survived by her dog, Pistal; her daughter, Tara Lynn of Brooklyn; her grandson, Keegan Knepp and his companion, Brianna Gorton, and great-grandson Liam of Williamsburg, IA; her grandson, Nathan (Brianna) Applegate; her great-grandsons, Issac, Brantley, Briggs, and Beau of Wabash, Indiana, and Jayme (Tim) Moore of Lisbon; her cousins; the Julie and Richard Coburn framily of La Fountaine, Indiana; her favorite brother, Randy Arand-McIlrath; and her 2nd favorite daughter, Mary Ferrell of Bowling Green, KY. She was preceded in death by her parents; her partner in life, Laddie; her sister, Judy Jahnke; her son-in-law, Abraham Lynn; and her son-in-law, Bradley Knepp.

Nana wanted a party so she is getting two! Saturday, May 2, 2026, The Front Street Tap at 3 pm with Christian Williams singing from 4-7 and Sunday, May 3, 2026, Solon American Legion at 1 pm with Tyler Geiger performing from 2 pm-5 pm. Please come celebrate with us. Please come celebrate with us.

Memorial checks may be made payable to her daughter, Tara Lynn, to benefit organizations selected by the family, and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 342, Brooklyn, IA 52211. Memories and condolences may be shared online with her family at www.smithfh.com.