Rita Ann Whitlatch

Rita Ann Whitlatch, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend, passed away on September 13. She was born in Vandergrift, Pennsylvania, to the late John F. and Loretta F. (O’Donnell) Belfield on April 19, 1927.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Ray William, son James (Joan), brother Fr. Jack and sister Agnes (Belfield), daughter-in-law Christine Whitlatch (Richard), and grandson John Whitlatch (John and Janet).

She is survived by sister Mary Christmyer, children Kathleen Strong (Glen), Richard Whitlatch (Lynn), Mary Jo DiSalvo (Guy Amicon), Martha Fay (Jack), and John Whitlatch (Nicole), 16 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, three nieces, three nephews, and family friend Anita Bell.

Although she won a scholarship to The Ohio State University, Rita worked for the phone company before she and Ray married and raised six children, regularly driving to visit Rita and Ray’s parents in a station wagon with no air conditioning. Rita and Ray steadfastly maintained these were some of the best times in their lives.

Rita shared her considerable creative skills with the church (vestments, banners, altar cloths) and family and friends (beautifully crafted cross stitch art and pinecone trees and wreaths). She found time to volunteer throughout her life with her church and school (Our Lady of Peace) and St. Vincent De Paul.

She will be remembered for her gift of making everyone feel welcome in her home, for her capacity to love, and for her ready laughter, deep spirituality, intelligence, love of reading, and creative dinners. We will picture Mom and Dad in their teal golf cart playing in heaven.

Per Rita’s request, a virtual memorial service will air from John Knox Church, N. Canton, on October 6 at 2:00 pm Eastern time: https://youtube.com/live/ZmLTX4GMegk?feature=share. In lieu of flowers, Rita requested any donations be made to Change of Pace, Sebring Christian Church, 4514 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL, 33872.

Arrangements entrusted to:
Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home
4001 Sebring Parkway
Sebring, FL 33870