Mary Rita Fritz

Mary Rita Fritz, 78, of Berger, Missouri passed away on July 6, 2024.

Mary was raised in Bushnell, Illinois, the eldest of six children. She attended St. Teresa’s College and Western Illinois University, studying science, in hopes of pursuing a career as a research scientist. It was a time when women were not welcome in scientific research, so she turned to teaching physical science in secondary schools. In 1968, she met and married Charles Jerrold (Jerry) Foulke, with whom she had two children – Ashley and Leslie Foulke. Mary taught for 13 years and then went to work for AT&T as a supervisor, later advancing to middle management and then retiring after 20 years in 1998. While at AT&T, she went back to college to complete a specialist degree in horticulture. During this time, she met and married Dr. George Robert (Bob) Fritz, superintendent of the Ferguson-Florissant School District, who had two children – Marcie and Kathy Fritz.

In 1990, Mary purchased a farm outside of Berger, restoring the old log home, and in 1998, she and Bob moved there full time. In 2000, Mary created Windy Hill Cut Flower Farm where she grew beautiful flowers that she supplied to the floral industry for weddings and anniversaries.

Mary was devoted to helping others and championed equal rights. As a college student, she raised money to support the civil rights movement. Later, as a teacher, she fought for women’s rights such as fair wages, benefits, and job equality.

In addition to being an activist for various causes, Mary contributed to community development. She was a member of the Ferguson-Florissant school board for two terms, volunteered with the Girl Scouts, helped develop MADKAP (a children’s theater group in Hermann), earned an honorary FFA degree for her volunteer work in Hermann FFA, founded and served on the Hermann Tree Commission, contributed to the expansion of the Hermann High School greenhouse, served as president of the Hermann Garden Club for countless years, designed and implemented the Volksplatz Hermann Entrance Garden, and served on the boards of The Showboat and Historic Hermann.

Mary was a remarkable person who made a difference in the lives of others and the communities she served. She loved life, her family, and helping others - always wanting to make the world a better place. Mary had a passion for nature, plants and birds, designing gardens, traveling, entertaining friends, and embracing new adventures.

She was preceded in death by Doris and George Bucher (parents), Jerrold Foulke, and Dr. George Robert Fritz. Mary is survived by three sisters, two brothers, four children, two grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

At her request, no funeral services will be held. A celebration of life for Mary will be held at her home, at a date to be determined. Memorial donations may be sent to The Hermann Garden Club c/o Susan Auinbauh, 1448 Mundwiller Rd, Hermann, MO 65041 and Camp Quality USA Central Missouri, P.O. Box 953, Jefferson City, MO 65102