Anyone who knows Rita McClure knows that if you need her, Rita shows up. She retired from Lincoln Public Schools as a school nurse, but there’s a nursing shortage and LPS is feeling it, so Rita continues to sub, taking as many shifts as she can. That puts her back at almost a full work week, but she still volunteers at FoodNet of Lincoln. She can’t tell them no; they’ve come to depend on her after 28 years. Rita is reliable, everyone knows that — and rain or shine, holiday or no, she shows up, because hunger isn’t a fair-weather problem.

A woman for all people

So many people know they can rely on Rita, and when she shows up, things get done. Ask the LPS-sponsored Native American Advisory Committee for Federal Programs. She hands out backpacks at the powwow ceremony, helping with that event and others held throughout the year. As a volunteer with the State of Nebraska Indian Affairs Commission, Rita coordinates native events and serves as hostess. Just recently, she helped to coordinate the Chief Standing Bear Award for Courage Dinner honoring Nebraska State Senator Tom Brewer. On the rare occasion that Rita heads out of town, she and her husband Greg love to attend the Gathering of the Nations in Albuquerque, NM. She doesn’t volunteer at that one, but then, they haven’t asked her!

Caring about causes that affect people is second nature to Rita, such as making quality medical services available to medically under-served women. She served on the state board of directors for Every Woman Matters including filling the roles of state chair and assist chair, respectively, from 1999-2008. And kids — she’s passionate about all kids being safe and healthy and letting them know that people care for them. She wants all children to know that higher education is available to everyone, that money doesn’t have to stand in the way of college. She volunteers for the Lincoln Community Foundation evaluating scholarship applications. 

A living guardian angel

Of course, kids are Rita’s heart. Four grandkids came to live with Rita and Greg when they were still pretty young, ages 6, 7, 10, and 12. Rita made raising them her priority, making sure they got everything they needed, including an education. The youngest, Makenzi, is still with them, attending college. Another granddaughter, Emily, calls Rita her living guardian angel. “She took us in, loved us, claimed us, and never stopped taking care of us. She’s an unstoppable force, with an endless amount of love to share. I have always aspired to love the world in the ways she does.”

Rita was nominated by her daughter Laura Huggins as well as her granddaughter Emily Castner and chosen because of her dedication to her family and her community. UBT’s Magic Moments team thought it was time for this incredible lady who pours so much love into helping others to receive a little holiday love herself! Together with our amazing and generous partners, we set out to make some holiday magic for Rita and her family.

Rita and Greg love to attend performances at the Lied Center for Performing Arts, and in the spring and summer months, you can probably find them in the garden, with their spoiled Yorkies nearby. Summit Lawns has donated a spring clean-up so the beds will be ready for Rita, Greg, and their new gardening tools! The couple will also be enjoying a date night that includes a performance at the Lied, dinner at Misty’s, and a stay at the Kindler Hotel. Unique gifts were selected for Rita, Greg, and Makenzi, and we even included the Yorkies (thank you, Lucky Larry’s)! Included in Rita’s gifts was the “Many Nations” blanket from Pendleton, which, in addition to beautifully honoring Indigenous persons representing more than one tribe, helps fund scholarships for Native American students and tribal colleges. Plus, the little family will be enjoying the Magical Lights of Lincoln tour as a special cap to the season.

Rita and family, may you enjoy many wonderful moments together and enjoy the magic of the season. Have a happy holiday, McClure family!