Rita E. Zahariades

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Rita E. Zahariades, of Mason City, Iowa, who entered into eternal rest on September 29, 2026, at the age of 82. A Celebration of Life service honoring Rita's life will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, October 8, 2026 at the Prime N Wine Restaurant's event center, 3000 4th St SW, Mason City, with a gathering and visitation one hour prior. Flowers may be sent to the restaurant beginning on Wednesday, October 7th or Thursday October 8th.

Rita was born on March 21, 1944, in Hampton, Iowa to Clarence and Bernice (Hockenson) Ristau. Raised in a close-knit family with an older brother, James, and a younger sister, Diane in Rockford, Iowa. She often talked about watching the women of the family cook big Sunday dinners and the boys play baseball. From a young-age, Rita had a love of learning and could curl up with a good book for hours. Years later, she discovered a love for basketball and became an avid Blazers fan.

Fashion was always exciting and interesting for Rita. She attended Capri Cosmetology School in Mason City, and she was a wealth of advice when it came to shoes, makeup, and clothes.

Rita was a classy, vibrant, and spirited friend who embraced life with grace and enthusiasm. Known for her kindness, elegance, and proper nature, she carried herself with dignity while making everyone around her feel welcomed and valued. Her warmth, generosity, and infectious smile left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

These gifts made her a star during her career at the makeup counter at Younkers. Until the day she passed, Rita could have easily made a career out of shopping, with her impeccable eye for color and uncanny ability to find the perfect thing.

Rita launched her restaurant career at the Town House when she unknowingly crossed paths with the love of her life, Nick Zahariades. On September 10, 1965, Rita married her one true love in Merced, California. Together, they built a life centered on family and faith. The couple returned to Iowa and later settled in Mankato, Minnesota, where Rita gave birth to Didi Nicole.

When the family moved back to Iowa, Rita became known as the beautiful "Coat Check Girl" at the Holiday Lounge, while Nick served as the head Chef for years. Later they followed their dreams and opened multiple restaurants in Mason City. The first, Willow Brook Cafe in the mall, was possibly Rita's favorite, since she enjoyed serving the three-dip ice-cream cones. Downtown, they opened the Cornerstone Restaurant, where Rita created the daily specials while also working at Armour Company. Then came the Kansas City Steakhouse, where Rita truly flourished. Whether it was the nightlife, or stepping back into the spotlight, Rita loved being a part of this excitement.

To most, they were simply known as "Nick and Rita," a couple whose love and devotion to one another were evident to all who knew them. Their partnership was marked by deep conversations which lasted for hours, full of laughter and debates which could linger for days. They shared a commitment to the people around them, rooted in the values they held dear. So closely connected it was difficult to think of one without the other and at Nick's funeral, just six months ago, many wondered if Rita would soon follow. Rita passed in September; the month she and Nick had married 60 years ago, and we like to think they are celebrating in style.

Rita also enjoyed traveling, savoring a good glass of wine, and creating cherished memories with those she loved. Above all, her family was the center of her world. If you stopped by her home, she was quick to jump up and welcome you in, then launch into a story that would keep you entertained for hours. Her greatest happiness came from gathering with those she held dear.

A gifted pianist and singer, Rita shared her talents generously throughout her life. Whether seated at the piano or lifting her voice in song, she brought beauty and joy to those around her. Family and friends often remarked that she had a voice like an angel, and it was a true joy if you could get a seat close to her in church.

Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life. As a devoted member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Rita's trust in God provided strength, comfort, and purpose. She lived her life grounded in faith, compassion, and service to others. While Nick was a member of the Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church. Rita built a strong relationship with Father Nichalas who performed a memorial prayer at her request after her passing.

During Nick's final years, and especially after his passing, Rita developed a very special, best-friend bond with Cindy Kephart, Deb Milhan, and Lou-Ann Galle. Their friendship, love, and support meant more to her than words could ever express. Rita would want them to know that they became so much than friends; they became family; and she carried a deep love and gratitude for each of them.

Rita is survived by her beloved daughter, Didi Nicole Zahariades Miller, and son-in-law, Jeff Miller, of Tualatin, Oregon; her sister and brother-in-law, Diane and Jim Read, of Rockford, Iowa; her sister-in-law, Lily Zahariades, of St. Paul, Minnesota; and her treasured grandchildren, Ian, Charlie, Kate, Cole, Kaia, and Niko. As well as her God-children: Makinzie Ristau of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Jared Galligan of Grimes, Iowa.

Rita loved her nieces and their husbands with all her heart: Sheri Hickey and husband, Ernie, of Mason City, Iowa; Heather Faulkner and husband, Jeff of Charles City, Iowa; Teresa Zahariades and husband Chris of Portland, Oregon; Jodee Kozlak and husband, Nick, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Suzy Schuylboom and husband, Darcy, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Amy Stapleton and husband, Sean, of Wayzata, Minnesota.

Rita cherished her relationships with her nephews and their families: Marc Ristau and wife, Stephanie, and daughter, Brynlee of Ankeny, Iowa; Keith Ristau, and son, Dylan, of Mesquite, Texas; Derek Read of Des Moines, Iowa; John Frazier and wife, Chris, of Plymouth, Minnesota; and John Zahariades of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Though deeply mourned by those who loved her, Rita's family finds comfort in the many wonderful memories she leaves behind and in knowing that her legacy of love, faith, music, and family devotion will continue to live on through the generations she touched.