Rita Jo Dell

Rita Jo (Pelley) Dell, 80, of Columbus, passed away on Thursday March 27, 2025, at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana. Rita was born April 29, 1944, in Columbus, IN to Joe F. and Mildred G. (Bechelli) Pelley.

Rita attended St. Bartholomew School, Central Jr. High, and Columbus High School. She earned a BS and MS in Education from Indiana University. She taught elementary grades at Kent, Wayne, Southside, Jefferson, Smith, and Schmitt schools from 1969-2000.

Rita married Joe W. Dell in 1973 at St Bartholomew Catholic Church, where they have been lifetime members.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Victoria L. Fontana, Rose M. Williams, and Judith A. Carmer; brother, David L. Pelley; niece, Dianne Waltz; and nephew, David Pelley.

Rita is survived by her daughter, Carmella Maria (Robert) Musillami; granddaughters, Sophia and Adrianna; step-sons, Timothy Joseph (Bonnie), Anthony Robert (Crystal), their children, Malena, Chelsea, and Jessica; and a great-granddaughter, Aubrey. Also surviving are a special niece, Rachel Waltz; along with many other dear nieces and nephews.

In keeping with her wishes, a private service will be held at Garland Brook Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, please take a child to a local bookstore, allow him/her to pick out a book and read it aloud together. Memorials can be sent to the Indiana chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or a local mental health program for teens.

Please leave a fond memory of Rita at www.Hathaway-Myers.com.