As most of you may know, Rita works in the meat and deli department at R & D. Most times you can catch her busy working, but she always has time for a smile and a hello when you pass by the deli case.
The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
- by Melanie Lessen - Quill Reporter
R & D Foods Inc, owned by Delbert and Rhonda Kreps highlights, Rita Siegworth, a twenty-nine year veteran of the store.
As most of you may know, Rita works in the meat and deli department at R & D. Most times you can catch her busy working, but she always has time for a smile and a hello when you pass by the deli case.
Rita started working at the grocery store when it was Corner Grocery, located where Time and Chime now operates. She started there in September of 1976, after she graduated from high school.
Around Thanksgiving of 1978, Corner Grocery became Gene and Bev's and relocated to R & D's current building. Then finally in December of 1996 Gene and Bev's became R & D Foods Inc.
Rhonda and Rita have worked together about 25 years. They both enjoy working with one another and work seamlessly together due to their long history as coworkers. Rita says that Rhonda doesn't act like a boss and that they always have such a great time together.
I tried to get the Rita's secret ham salad but she would not give it to me. Rita claims R & D Foods have the best meat in the county and that ribeyes are her personal favorite.
Rita enjoys working at R & D because of the variety of people she gets to talk to everyday, and the freedom and flexibility of being able to leave to take care of something during her shift, if she needs to do so.
Rita went to grade school in Blandinsville, and attended high school at Northwestern. She graduated in 1976, and in 1980, married Greg Siegworth. After they were married, the two moved to rural La Harpe.
When their son, Jason, was five they moved into town and have been there ever since. Jason is now twenty-one and they also have a daughter, Jennifer, that is fifteen.
If Rita ever has spare time on her hands she enjoys golfing. Rhonda joked that Rita likes to golf with her because they have a good time.
Come in and see them and please, try the ham salad.