Rita M. (Erford) VonderEmbse

Rita M. (Erford) VonderEmbse

OTTAWA - Rita M. VonderEmbse, 98, of Ottawa died at 9:08 p.m. Tuesday, July 31, 2018 at Hilty Memorial Home, Pandora. She was born March 10, 1920 in Hamler to the late Peter Alvin and Effie (Bauhaus) Erford. On February 3, 1945 she married Richard "Lefty" VonderEmbse who died October 8, 1992.

  She is survived by six children, Richard (Vicki Deatrick) VonderEmbse of Bulverde, TX, Jeffrey (Julie Ball) VonderEmbse of Huron, Terry VonderEmbse of Ottawa, Monica (Mike Schaublin) VonderEmbse of Ottawa, Anita (Steve Ferguson) VonderEmbse of Dixon, CA, and Julia (Leon Fuerst) VonderEmbse of Ottawa; fourteen grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and a brother, Raymond Erford of Leipsic. She was also preceded in death by her daughter; Rhonda Wilson; a son, Mark VonderEmbse; four brothers, Robert, Gilford "Bus", Charles "Chuck" and Cletus Erford; two sisters, Sr. M. Josita "Marcella" Erford and Sarah Erford; and a sister-in-law, Martha Erford.

   Rita grew up in Hamler then her family moved to Miller City. Her first job was for Kahle Feed Mill in Kalida and then a homemaker. She was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ottawa and its Rosary Altar Society and Catholic Ladies of Columbia Council # 7. She was a member and past president of Ottawa Eagles Auxiliary, an avid bingo enthusiast, and card player. Rita lived a fulfilling, long life of dedication to her family.

   A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 6, 2018 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ottawa with Fr. Rick Friebel officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 2 to 8 p.m. on Sunday at LOVE FUNERAL HOME, Ottawa where there will be Scripture Service at 7:50 p.m. on Sunday.

   Memorials may be made to Putnam County Home Health and Hospice, Building Fund for new Sts. Peter and Paul School addition, or to a charity of the donor's choice.

   Condolences can be expressed at: www.lovefuneralhome.com.