Born in Milbank (SD) on July 5, 1946, to parents, Bernard and Gladys (Van Hout) Van Stralen, she was born one day earlier than her twin sister, Rose. As young children, Rita and Rose enjoyed being identical twins, sometimes trying to trick unsuspecting people.

Rita was baptized and confirmed at St. Lawrence Church in Milbank. She attended school in Milbank, graduating from Milbank High School in 1964. Following graduation she moved to Minneapolis where she worked as a legal secretary for several years.

On June 22, 1968, she married John Vesecky. Following her time in Minneapolis, she moved to California and worked in the Los Angeles area as a secretary and also as a "Kelly" girl. She also worked as a hostess for performers at concerts while in California. While being a hostess she had the pleasure of meeting many interesting people such as Chris Christopherson and many others.

Rita was fond of gourmet cooking and interior decorating. While a young child she enjoyed playing the piano. In her spare time she treasured taking in nature during walks and bicycle rides. She moved back to Ortonville in 2001 to be closer to her family. She lived just down the street from her twin sister Rose.

Survivors include her mother, Gladys Van Stralen; five sisters; Marianne (Dale) Lantis, Marge (Bob) Hopkins, Rose Van Stralen, Pat (Ed) Van Stralen and Char (Merlin) Burns; four brother; Frank (Cathy) Van Stralen, Mike Van Stralen, Dan Van Stralen and Steve (Kara) Van Stralen, many nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Preceding her in death were her father, Bernard Van Stralen, and a nephew, Patrick Hopkins.