Jarvis, RitaRita Jarvis (nee Krans, Nixon), bridge player extraordinaire, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday October 29, 2016. Rita was born on May 13, 1931 to the late Roy and LaVaughn Krans in Aurora, WI where she was raised on the family farm and graduated from Kingsford High school in Iron Mountain, MI.Rita went on to graduate from St. Luke's nursing program in Racine WI and then began her long and meaningful career in nursing at Bellin Memorial Hospital in Green Bay. From there she transitioned to her career at Northeastern Wisconsin Technical Institute, where she taught in the Ward Clerk and LPN programs. She retired from health education in 1995, but never truly retired from teaching, as through her tutelage she has instilled the love of bird watching and the joy of bridge into the hearts of countless friends and family members. Rita was a masterful gardener, a strong environmentalist and the best cook ever. She was fiercely independent and a tireless worker, but she also knew how to have fun whether through her decades of participation in the Green Bay Curling Club, road trips to Badger Home Games, or simply providing loved ones with amazing meals, no matter the occasion. Rita also dedicated herself to many Green Bay area charities, including the Botanical Gardens, De Pere Historical Society, Heritage Hill, and PEO. Rita is survived by her sons Jay (Elena) Nixon, of Monroe, WI, and his daughter's Dana, Carly and Lauren, and Dale Nixon of De Pere. Rita is further survived by her sister Char Waldschmidt, brother Roger (Rita) Krans, as well as many other loving relatives, in-laws and cherished friends. Rita was preceded in death by her brothers, LeRoy and Charles, and husbands John Nixon, and James Jarvis. Rita's candor and spirit will be missed by all who had the opportunity to know her. Family and friends are invited to gather to celebrate Rita's life on Sunday, November 6th, 2016, at the Green Bay Botanical Gardens, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be dedicated to the Green Bay Botanical Gardens, where Rita was a dedicated volunteer for many years. The family thanks Rita's many cherished friends and co-workers who offered support during her final struggle with cancer, especially her sister Char, as well as the caring staff of Unity Hospice.