Rita M. Cecil

Rita Marie Cecil, 96, passed away on February 5, 2026, in Bellaire, OH. Rita was born on July 6, 1929, in Moundsville, WV, the daughter of James and Lavina (Kuklewska) Hardacre.

In addition to her parents, Rita was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law Christine Hall Cecil, grandson Brian John Cecil, step-grandson Mark David Sullivan, and her dear husband John E. Cecil. Rita and John had been married for 73 years when he passed in 2020.

Rita leaves behind her children Jonette (Jamie) James, Kelly Cecil of Moundsville Melinda (Ron) Armold of PA , James (Karen)Cecil of FL. Seven grandchildren Roger (Beth) James, Aaron (Darlene) James, Bobby (Kim) Sullivan, Eric (Rhonda)Cecil, Tracy (Randy)Rogerson., Beth (John)Johnson and Megan (Zack) Riber. 13 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren. A brother-in-law and sister-in-law Reed and Norma Cecil of Indianna.

Rita was a homemaker who also worked at Murphy Mart in the shoe department. She loved to read, do crossword puzzles, study roadmaps, and watch episodes of Gunsmoke and The Rifleman. Her children were her greatest joy.

Family and friends will be received on Monday, February 9, from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm at the Altmeyer Funeral Homes Lute & Kirby-Vance Chapel, 118 Grant Ave.

Rita will be laid to rest next to her husband John at Riverview Cemetery in Moundsville.

The Family would like to express their gratitude to Country Club for the love, care and compassion their parents received while residing there.

Memories and condolences may be shared with her family on this page.