Rita Jean Wolfe

Rita Jean Wolfe, age 56, of Columbus, died Monday, Aug. 5, 2024 at The James Cancer Hospital at The Ohio State University. Born Oct. 4, 1967 to John F. and Ann I. Wolfe. Graduate of the Columbus School for Girls (1985) and Miami University (1989) in Oxford, Ohio, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communications. Upon graduation, Rita began work at WGN-TV in Chicago. In 1991, she returned to Columbus to begin work in the sales department at WBNS-TV. In 2000, Rita was promoted to corporate director of civic affairs for The Dispatch Printing Company, a position she held until 2016, when she was named vice president and director of corporate relations. Endowed with a keen sense of humor and an innate love of animals and people, Rita radiated positivity in good times and bad. She took a personal interest in the down-and-out. She made discreet inquiries about providing help to people and animals in need. She understood the power of unconditional love. She believed everyone deserved opportunities. Among her many initiatives, she helped raise awareness of the plague of human trafficking. She strongly supported CATCH Court, a specialized docket within Franklin County Municipal Court to help break the cycle of abuse. She served on the boards of The Harmony Project, the James Cancer Hospital, and Leadership Columbus. Her compassion for animals led to board service on Columbus Humane (formerly the Capital Area Humane Society) and OSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine Engagement Council. Rita’s relatives affectionately knew her as Beanie and Aunt Totts. People will remember her for her kindness, ability to connect people, command of the game/card table, love for music of all kinds and her signature style and stilettos. There is no one who knew Rita who does not have a classic and hilarious story. She was preceded in death by father John F. Wolfe and aunt Nancy W. Lane. She is survived by mother Ann I. Wolfe; sisters Sara W. (Michael) Perrini and Katie W. (Clark) Lloyd; niece Abigail W. Perrini; nephews M. Christopher Perrini, J.P. Perrini, Jack Lloyd, and Teddy Lloyd; Uncle Richard A. (Sharon) Isaly Jr.; cousins Richard A. Isaly III (Lisa), Matthew H. Isaly (Betsy), Elizabeth L. Jarrell, and Mary M. Lane (Ben Wolfe). She also is survived by former husband Bobby Hoag. On Rita’s behalf, the Wolfe family is thankful for all the incredible and loving friends and the expert and compassionate medical care and comfort provided by Dr. Andrew M. Thomas and his associates at the Wexner Medical Center and James Cancer Hospital. The family is thankful for the special ministry of Hospice of Central Ohio. And the family extends special thanks to caregivers Erica Potter, LaWanda Lindsay and close family friend Martina Bernard. Arrangements entrusted to Schoedinger Midtown, 229 E. State St. Calling hours will be Saturday, Aug. 10, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Columbus Club,181 E. Broad St. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, Aug. 11 at 2 p.m. at the Southern Theater, 21 E. Main St. Memorial contributions may be made to the James Cancer Hospital, through The Ohio State University Foundation, or Nationwide Children’s Hospital Foundation.