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Rita France Obituary
BUCYRUS: Rita P. (Smith) France, 85, of Bucyrus, died Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at Bucyrus Community Hospital following an extended illness.
She was born March 21, 1926 in Vincennes, Indiana to the late Charles H. and Gertrude C. (Farrell) Smith. Rita was a 1944 graduate of what is now St. Vincent/St. Mary's High School. Following graduation, Rita worked at Firestone in Akron for few years doing secretarial work. She had a very gifted voice and had the privilege of recording songs which were played on the radio. She also loved to ballroom dance, but she had a greater love, and that was for Robert C. France, Sr. whom she married in July of 1950. She worked by his side at the R.C. France Roller Arena and she loved caring for her family as a homemaker.
Rita was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church and a former member of the Roller Skating Teachers Association. She was a roller skating test judge for many years; she cherished her family, was a longtime supporter of St. Jude's Children's Research and was an avid Notre Dame fan. Rita looked forward to her Thursday morning "Breakfast Club" at M & R in Galion and most recently enjoyed eating breakfast at her son's restaurant, The Gathering which was formerly Al Smith's Place. Rita enjoyed hours of watching the TCM channel.
In addition to her parents, Rita was preceded in death by brothers and sisters; and her husband, Robert C. France, Sr. whom she was married to for 57 years.
She is survived by Bob (Sue) France, Jr. of Mt. Dora, Fla., Bernie (Anita) France of Bucyrus, Roland France of Bucyrus, Margaret (Jim) Wilson of Cincinnati, Kathleen (Kevin) Woods and Ray (Patty) France both of Lima; twelve grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Her family will receive friends from 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 p.m. Monday, April 25 at Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820 where a Rosary service will be recited at 8:00 p.m. Rite of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Fr. Frederick Schill as Celebrant. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Contributions may be given to St. Jude Children's Research or to the France family through the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy may be left at: www.wisefuneral.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rita France
April 25, 2011
My wife of 45 years, Diane and I fondly remember when we first met at the France Rollerena in 1962 and Rita and Bob were an integrel part of our social life.
She was always amiable and friendly.
Bob, you and the all of the France family have our deepest sympathy.
Darl "Pete" and Diane (White) Mills and family
Linda Novak
April 23, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. May you find peace in knowing see is now at eternal peace, till we all meet again.
bobby deskins
April 22, 2011
Your loved one will always be as close as a memory, and the God of all comfort as close as a prayer.
jean clayton
April 22, 2011
My deepest sympathy to the France family. Praying that God will comfort your hearts and give you peace in this time of loss. Cherish your memories!
Judy Hoffman
April 22, 2011
My sympathy goes out to all of the family and our prayers are with you all my husband and I have known the pain of loosing a parent but she is only parted from all of you for a season you shall be reunited because of what was the promise thru the sacrafice that our Lord paid so many years ago. God Bless you , Mike & Judy Hoffman
Judy Hoffman
April 22, 2011
My sympathy goes out to all of the family and our prayers are with you all my husband and I have known the pain of loosing a parent but she is only parted from all of you for a season you shall be reunited because of what was the promise thru the sacrafice that our Lord paid so many years ago. God Bless you , Mike & Judy Hoffman
Nikki Deskins
April 22, 2011
My prayers are with the France family during your time of great loss. I didn't know Rita very well, but I had the honor of knowing her thru my job in BCH registration, and had the privilege of taking care of paperwork for her on many occasions. God has taken another good person under his wing. God bless!
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