Rita L. Elder

October 15, 1934 - June 8, 2022

Rita L. Elder Oct. 15, 1934-June 8, 2022 Her children sang to her. They sang to 87-year-old Rita Elder, their combined 368 years of life finding one voice at their mother’s bedside in her final hours. They sang a few classic hymns and a few silly childhood ditties. They sang what was sung to them. Steve, Paul, Sharon, Sue, Lisa and Rick sang. They sang as expressions of love for and to Sara, Connie, Jim, Marceia, Steve and Ann. They sang to welcome and embrace husband Wilbur, stepson Bruce and stepdaughter Bambi. They sang for what she ultimately made possible: Alec, Jacob, Michelle, Danielle, Nick, Gabrielle, Cindy, Katherine, Ryan, Jon, Matt, Jacquie, Alix, Sam and Laura. And they sang about the 29 descended from them. Rita’s life song was about family, faith and nature. It was about holidays and hard work. It was about a mighty skill in cooking and baking that was a ministry unto itself. It was about the Progressive Women’s Club and more than 30 years as a Realtor. It was about being meticulous and design-minded and having an appreciation for the immaculate. About books and sweets and flowers and birds. About a charismatic warmth and steadfast support for those lucky enough to call her grandma or the loving name of their choice. It was about Christ as the risen savior. Her first notes came from an upbringing in rural southern Michigan. The tune continued as valedictorian at Ida High School in 1952; when she married Guy Elder in 1954; and when they moved to Waynesville and raised the family, where the song began in earnest. Her folks, Dale and Jennie; and siblings Donna, Larry and Judie no doubt are lifting their voices as she arrives. Doris, Gary, Linda and Gayl mournfully watch her go on ahead. And so the children sang, low and sweetly, in the depth of sorrow and the peak of appreciation, for the 5-foot-2 giant who could now step strongly once again toward her beautiful reward. ————————————————————————————————————————————— The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Monday, June 13, at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Crossview Christian Church in Waynesville, immediately followed by a committal service in Miami Cemetery, Corwin. Steve Williamson will officiate. If desired, contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton. Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com