FRANKLIN - Rita Anne Bader, 85, passed away on Oct. 18, 2022.
She was the daughter of the late John Theodore and Elizabeth Katherine Leuken DeWitte. Rita grew up in Middleburg Heights, Ohio, graduated from Berea High School; she met the love of her life, Fred, in eighth grade. They later reunited when she was a senior in high school and he was returning home from the Korean War. They were married in 1957; after several years of marriage they moved to St. Petersburg, Florida. They lived there while raising their family, until Fred retired in 1995, then moved to their vacation cottage in Franklin.
In addition to her parents, Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Louis Bader, and son, Daniel Bader. She is survived by her daughters, Maribeth Allie Bader (Dan Tiller) of Franklin and Annette Bader Grundon (John) of St. Petersburg, Florida; grandchildren, Carson Tiller (Aliyah), Chase Tiller, Camryn Tiller, Anthony Ogrosky, Madison Grundon and Jeremiah Bader; step-grandchildren, Johnathan Grundon and Thomas Grundon; great-grandchild, Silas Grundon; several nieces and nephews; and lifelong family and best friends, Georgian Baesel and Marlene Smith.
Rita volunteered throughout her life with several organizations including Girl Scout leader, Special Olympics, Senior Center, class mom, arts and crafts groups, and Bible studies. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi, St. Mary Church in Berea, St. Jude’s in St. Pete, and St. Francis in Franklin. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She provided stability, tradition, and unwavering love. Her love, guidance, and friendship will be greatly missed and will hold a special place in our hearts. Lastly, her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and the family is very grateful for the influence and memories that they will forever hold of her.
A funeral mass was held Friday, Oct. 21 at St Francis Catholic Church. Father Tien Duong officiated. The family received friends at Macon Funeral Home prior to the service.
Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com. Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.