Rita Wilson

Rita A. Wilson, of Leipsic, and formerly of Findlay passed away the evening of October 30, 2024, at The Meadows of Leipsic, following a valiant 29 year battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Born on September 12, 1946, in Evansville, Indiana, Rita was the youngest of four daughters born to the late Arnold M. and Cuma L. (Spencer) Ziegler. She graduated from Carmi High School in 1964 and went on to earn a degree in Education from Southern Illinois University.

Upon college graduation, she moved to Washington, D.C. to pursue her career. It was there she met the love of her life, Thomas A. Wilson. They married on November 28, 1968. Following the birth of their two sons, the family moved to Upper Tract, West Virginia in 1978 and established a homestead. Together, Tom and Rita were faithful members of the Brake Church of the Brethren, and Rita continued her teaching career until Parkinson’s forced her to retire. They celebrated 47 years together, before he proceeded her in death on October 19, 2016.

Rita was deeply invested in her students and maintained contact with many of them until her death. She loved to read and treasured time with friends and family. Even as Parkinson’s robbed her of many abilities, Rita remained a devoted prayer warrior. She moved to Findlay in 2019 and was especially grateful for the time spent living with her oldest sister, Donna Abshier, both in Findlay and Leipsic.

Rita is survived by son Scott, his wife Jessica, and their children Hunter, Emma and Ryder, and son Jace and his wife Diane, all of Virginia. Also surviving are nieces and nephews, Liz (Don) Huston of Pandora, Mike Abshier of Arlington, Tony (Sarah) Nelson and Debbie Nelson of Carmi, Illinois.

In addition to her husband and parents, Rita is predeceased by sister Arna Pauline, sister and brother-in-law, Donna and Joe Abshier, and sister and brother-in-law, Leah and Robert Nelson.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at the Meadows of Leipsic for their wonderful loving care of Rita the past two years. We would also like to thank Dr. Jacobus and the staff of Bridge Hospice. Many special thanks to Jessica, Ashley and Marcia for your unending care and support. We are extremely grateful for the respect and compassionate care all her caregivers provided Rita. She’s walking in Heaven today!

There will be no visitation or funeral service. The family will hold a private memorial service, and burial of Donna and Joe and Rita and Tom will be in the family plot in Illinois at a future date. The family requests memorial contributions be made to Bridge Home Health and Hospice of Findlay.

HUFFORD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 1500 Manor Hill Rd, Findlay, (419-422-1500), is honored to serve Rita’s family.