Rita attended First Assembly of God Church of Fort Wayne. She retired in 1988 from Magnavox Corp, after several years of service as a group leader. Following retirement, Rita and her late husband, James, spent many hours at the lake, wintering in Florida, and traveling. Her passions were painting, playing shuffleboard, playing corn hole, and mowing her own yard. She is survived by her daughters, Becky (James) Nix, Debbie (Donald) Stilwell, and Linda (Dave) Walker; eight grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; and her sister, Carol Fairchild. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, James C. Sherwood, in 2004; grandson, Roger Hippenhamer; and brother, Michael DeWald.
A funeral service to honor Rita's life and legacy will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, October 3, 2022, at D.O. McComb & Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home, 1320 East Dupont Road, Fort Wayne, with calling one hour prior. A calling will also be held on Sunday, October 2, 2022, from 2:00 to 5:00 pm, at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest at Highland Park Cemetery, Fort Wayne.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in her honor may be directed to the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo or Parkview Home Health and Hospice. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for Rita's family may be shared at www.McCombandSons.com.
