Rita Mae Schmolke 78 of Gilbert, Arizona, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 7, 2020, after fighting a courageous battle of cancer for the last several years. She was born on January 17, 1942, in Akron, to John Harmon and Emma (Jones) Eiseman. Rita grew up in Brimfield and graduated from Kent State High School and Bohecker’s Business College. Rita was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loved serving with the sisters and the youth. Rita loved music, ballroom dancing and, even taught herself to play the piano. She lived many years in Kent and Pickerington Ohio and had made many special friends that she held very dear to her heart. Rita lived the last eight years in Gilbert, Arizona loving the sunshine. Rita was blessed with many talents; cooking, decorating, sewing, and singing to mention a few.
Rita will be greatly missed by her devoted husband Dennis Schmolke and her daughters, Renee Lane of Bartlesville, OK and Rebecca (Paul) Porter of Gilbert, AZ. Six grandchildren Cami (Morgan) Lish, William Pidge, Ashley (Nick) Lewis, Mackenzie (Jordan) Saunooke, Mariah and Mason Porter and 8 great-grandchildren. She also leaves her sister Jeanne(David) Peugh of Tallmadge, OH and nieces, nephews and, friends she has made throughout her life.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents and Husbands: Robert E. Lane Jr. and William J. Gibbons. Her brother, Edward Eiseman and great granddaughter Taylor Lewis.
Bunker Funeral Home in Mesa, AZ will be handling arrangements for Rita to be sent to Bissler & Sons Funeral Home in Kent, Ohio, where Private Family services will be at Standing Rock Cemetery in Kent, Ohio.
Jeanne & Family
I am so sorry for your loss of your sister. I will be praying for you and your family Thankful that some day you will see her again.
Going to miss you aunt Rita you were a great person .and I love when I would come to your house to hang out u always treated me like your owe kid .may God bless u and I hope u are in a great place now .miss u love u always
Renee and family
So sorry for your loss.
Sending prayers up for you and your family.
One day you will be rejoicing in heaven when you meet again.
God bless
We were very sad to hear of Rita’s passing. She has always been an example to all who crossed her path. Praying for your family.
Rita had (or I should say has, as she is still alive, just not here) such a strong spiritual spirit. It weathered every storm with a grateful heart. Quite a woman.
Rebecca and family,
We’re so sorry to hear about your mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
So sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss. Rita was the Relief Society President in the Akron Ward when I joined the church. She was a great example to me and a kind soul.
What a pleasure to have known my sister-in-law, even though it was only a few years. Rita was one-of-a-kind ladies whose talents knew no bounds: fabulous cook, great craft artist, poet, outstanding lady in her religion who was admired for her talents and grit, She gave my brother many hours, days, etc. of love and fun. They were even playng scrabble up to few days ago. She will be sorely missed by so many, but will neverbe forgotten.
Rita will be sorely missed by her family and friends. She was fun-loving, great craft artist, complete in her religion, and now joyfully HOME.
Dennis and Family,
We love Rita and you. Even in suffering, she always had a kind smile and a gentle laugh – an expression of the joy for life and love of others she so deeply felt.
Thank you for sharing your lives with us. Rita will be remembered with love until we can embrace her once again.
Rita was a wonderful lady and a great example to us and our family. She taught us many things and continually showed great faith and perseverance. She loved her family and her friends and especially loved her Savior. She will be greatly missed, but continually appreciated.
It has been our great pleasure to have known Rita these past 7-8 years. She was a true friend to my wife Rebecca and they so enjoyed each others company. I know she is now in a much better place with those who left before. We so enjoyed her and Dennis these past several years and consider them dear friends! Til we meet again!
I knew Rita at church and she was a lovely woman. I found her faith and strength inspiring and I loved talking to her because she always made me feel loved. She was gracious and kind and I am happy to know she is at peace.
a great lady has left us for now, She will be missed greatly. love you Rita
I also know Rita from church. We always greeted each other with smiles and laughter. I loved hearing her talk about her relationship with Heavenly Father and her strong faith that gave her hope, purpose, and direction. Love love Rita!
Good bye for now! ❤️❤️❤️
I met Rita and Dennis either at church or our wonderful empty nesters Group. We hit it off being friends right away. I remember thinking what a sweet sister and friend she was. I always felt loved from her smile and calmness. We won the Chile cook off at the fall festival in October in 2018. We were so happy and I shared my recipe with her and she shared her recipe with me.
We laughed. We did have our fun moments visiting at her house. Love u so much Rita. Love and prayers for u Dennis.
Sharon Hall.