Rita H Arthur

She is preceded in death by her sister, Eileen Lewand and brother Francis Breen of Chicago and brother Emmett Breen of Dayton.

She was happily married to Robert Arthur of Dayton (since deceased in 1991) for 44 years. They were married shortly after the end of WWII in 1947.

She is survived by five children – Gary Arthur, of Denver, Colorado, Vicki Fister, of Oxford, Ohio, Bill Arthur, of San Diego, California, Gayle McLawhorn, of Winterville, North Carolina and Glenn Arthur, of Sarasota.

Other family members include 10 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, 5 nephews, 2 nieces, 2 sons-in-law and 2 daughters in law.

Family relationships were a big part of her lifestyle. She kept in constant contact via Facebook, e-mail, phone and “old school” pictures & hand-written cards and letters. She enjoyed cooking for family events and holidays – her baked cabbage rolls were “legendary” !

She loved to hang out at Siesta Key Beach with her (now deceased) buddies, Harry, Del, Rachel and Larry. She was a member of the congregation at St. Thomas More Catholic Church and part of the “Singles Mingles” group.

Dancing to live music was her passion! She was a “regular” at the Sarasota YMCA’s “Saturday Night” dances. Her favorite band was “Come Back Alice”, a local band who played at the 5 O’Clock Club. She loved Tampa Bay Rays baseball games also.

She was 100% of Irish blood and was very proud of her heritage.

The legacy that she leaves behind of her high energy, independent spirit, positive outlook on life, aggressive work ethic and total commitment to family will be one that will not be forgotten.