Rita Reith

Rita Lee Reith, 81, of Kokomo, Indiana passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2024. She was born September 23, 1942 in Lynchburg, Ohio to the late Raymond and Ruth Holmes. Thanks to a chance meeting at a Rocco’s Pizza in South Bend, Rita married Jim Reith on February 8, 1964. Together they raised 3 sons. Her family was her entire life and she was fiercely protective of them. She was a hard worker, most recently working part-time at Edward Jones, but she got the most joy from her work in the cancer center at St. Joe Hospital. Those who knew Rita could always count on her decisiveness and her sense of duty to speak her truth. Asking her “How does this look on me?” would be responded to with the kind of honesty that some may not be prepared for. Equally, however, she navigated the world with a sense of humor that told others that she didn’t take herself too seriously. She was sassy, trendy, and loved to have a good time. Her hobbies and talents were countless, including cooking, baking, sewing, bridge, reading, costume events - and even belly dancing into her 60's. She and Jim were also known to enjoy a cocktail every day at 4:30 PM. She took a lot of pride in decorating her home, the place where she cultivated devotion and love for family and friends. Rita is survived by her husband of 60 years Jim Reith; her sons Michael Reith (Tami), Christopher Reith, and Erich Reith (Khrystina Blank); grandchildren Alexander Reith (Emily), Andrea Ogle (Mark), Corey Reith, Jamie Reith; great grandchild Maddox Ogle; and sister Rae Ann Ford In addition to her parents, Rita was preceded in death by her sister Janette Holmes. A memorial gathering will be held Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home & Cemetery, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana 46902.