Rita Deerhake

LIMA -- Rita C. (Mueller) Deerhake, age 91, was called to her Heavenly Home at 7:31 p.m. Sunday, July 6, 2025, at Mercy Health - St. Rita's Medical Center.

Rita was born November 23, 1933, in Delphos, OH, to the late Carl J. and Florence (Feathers) Mueller. On May 22, 1955, she married her high school sweetheart, John L. Deerhake, who preceded her in death on May 16, 2015.

Rita was a graduate of Spencerville High School and St. Rita's School of Nursing, where she received her nursing degree. She received her bachelor's degree from Defiance College and her MBA from the University of Dayton. Rita started at St. Rita's Medical Center as a Staff Nurse and advanced to Director of Nursing, Vice President, and Chief Operating Officer (COO). Following retirement, she served as the Executive Director of the Heart Center of West Central Ohio. She served as a volunteer for St. Rita's for over 30 years, where she developed many lasting friendships, and she was a longtime member of St. John's Catholic Church. She especially loved her neighbors at the Springbrook Greens Condominiums and her fellow volunteers at Mercy Health - St. Rita's Medical Center.

She is survived by her three children, Jeffery (Debbie) Deerhake of Kingwood, TX, Lisa Livingston of Lima, and John B. (Ann) Deerhake of Marysville; eight grandchildren, Amy (Jon) Huber, John Michael (Laura DeLorenzo) Deerhake, Sarah (Ryan) Snider, Bethany (Joel) Mosier, Jenna (Corbin) Ellison, Lauren (Steven) List, Nick (Natalie) Deerhake, Kristen Tumbleson; seventeen great grandchildren, Mitchell, Emilia, Josie, Kara, Lexi, Remy, April, Evan, Aubrey, Avery, Hannah, Maddie, Holden, Claire, Levi, Leighton, and Jackson; sister, Margie Mick of Spartanburg, SC; and sister in law, Shirley Mueller of Spencerville.

In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by three brothers, Don Mueller, Tom Mueller, and Larry Mueller; and sister, Betty Bendele.

Visitation will be on Thursday, July 17, 2025, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at CHILES - LAMAN FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES, SHAWNEE CHAPEL.

A private service celebrating Rita's life will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025, at the funeral home. Father David Ross will officiate the service. Burial of cremated remains will be held at a later date in Spencerville Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in honor of her late husband, John L. Deerhake to the American Parkinson's Disease Association, PO Box 61420, Staten Island, NY 10306, apda@apdaparkinson.org.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.