Rita K. Loyer, age 80, of Marion, died Saturday afternoon, April 10, 2010, at Heartland of Marion, following a three month illness.
Rita was born on November 21, 1929, in Delaware, Ohio, the daughter of the late Fred and Katherine (Kreis) Loyer. She was raised on the family farm, where she would care for her parents in their later years and where she would call home her entire life.
After graduating from Claridon High School in the Class of 1947, Rita enrolled at Capital University, where she would earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Education. With a firm belief in each child’s abilities, Rita was proud to return to Claridon Elementary Schools to teach 5th grade. After Claridon Schools were consolidated, Rita then transferred to the Waldo Elementary Schools to continue enriching the lives of her 5th grade students.
After forty six years, she “retired” from her official teaching position and immediately became a full time volunteer for Waldo Schools and lastly for the Heritage School. Even despite her recent illness, she was dearly hoping to be able to return to her beloved students.
Believing in the education system, Rita had a caring and warm way of helping all of her students follow the right path and get the most from their education.
A book worm, Rita loved reading anything she could get her hands on. The books she found having value, she would diligently pass along to her students and family.
Deep in faith, Rita was a lifelong member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Cardington, where she taught Sunday School her entire adult life and served on the Church Council.
Having a green thumb, Rita enjoyed tending to her garden and her well manicured yard. After her retirement, she even started an orchard on the farm and she would share her produce with as many people as possible.
An avid sports fan, if any of Rita’s favorite teams were playing you could count on her being glued to the tv cheering them on. She loved rooting for her beloved Cleveland Browns, Ohio State Buckeyes, and most importantly her Cleveland Indians. Her dedication to watching her teams even lead her to get the premium sports package from the Dish Network, so she never had to miss a game.
Very witty, Rita often would catch you off guard with a joke with her “wry sense of humor.” Having a heart of gold, Rita gave unconditionally of her time and efforts to her students, church and her family. Her legacy will be carried on within the hearts and minds of all those she has touched for countless years to come.
Rita will be missed by her two brothers: Frederick “Charles” (Virginia) Loyer of St. Marys, and Philip Loyer of Waynesville, North Carolina; and four nieces and three nephews.
The Loyer family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 13, 2010, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion.
Services celebrating her life will be held on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Paul Lutheran Church, 336 W. Main St. (US Route 42), Cardington, with Pastor Ed Wahl officiating. Burial will follow in Marion Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Paul Lutheran Church or to Heartland Hospice, and they may be sent in care of the funeral home. For those wishing to express their condolences to Rita’s family, you may do so by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
About Marion Online Obituaries
