Rita A. Clouse

Rita A. Clouse, 79, of Brunswick, passed away surrounded by her family on May 7, 2022.
Rita was born on September 4, 1942 to the late Francis and Genevieve (Stas) Zemgulis in Cleveland and grew up in Parma. Rita graduated from Lourdes Academy in 1960 and attended Ohio University, where she met her future husband, Will, through a mutual friend. Rita and Will married on September 20, 1969 and were married for over 52 years. They had two children, Bonnie and the late Jennifer. Rita and Will raised their family in North Olmsted, Ohio and Coraopolis, Pennsylvania.
Rita worked outside the home while raising her family, most recently for Highmark Blue Cross for sixteen years until her retirement in 2008. An avid, lifelong reader, Rita spent her retirement reading - - a book a day at her peak. Rita kept a running list of books that she read during adulthood (so she did not read a book twice!), and it is estimated to contain over 4,000 books. She also enjoyed solving word search puzzles, traveling to Florida, visiting botanical gardens, collecting knickknacks, and trying new restaurants. She took pride in the fact that she was able to assist her daughters in obtaining their college degrees and later, in her two grandchildren.
Survivors include her husband of 52 ½ years, Wilbert; daughter, Bonnie Kristan; granddaughters, Maggie and Ellie; siblings, Francis (Barb) Zemgulis and Bonnie (the late Doug) DeChant; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Calling hours will take place at Waite & Son Funeral Home, 765 N. Court St., Medina, on Saturday June 4, 2022 from 11 am – 1 pm followed by a short service. The family will host a reception at the funeral home after the service to further celebrate Rita's life – a light lunch will be provided.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider contributing to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, https://supporting.afsp.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donate.event&eventID=2078&language=en, or the Medina County District Library, https://www.mcdl.info/donate.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of Brunswick Pointe for their care of Rita.