Rita S. Daugherty

Rita S. Daugherty, 69, of St. Marys, passed away at her home on March 3, 2026. She was born on July 3, 1956, in St. Marys to the late Jerome and Esther (Behr) Yahl.

On August 3, 1973, Rita married the love of her life, Michael “Mike” D. Daugherty. Together they shared over 51 years of marriage before Mike preceded her in death on January 5, 2025. Their love and devotion to one another were evident to all who knew them.

Rita is survived by her loving daughter, Maggie (Ty) Tomberlin of St. Marys, and her two cherished grandsons, Brody and Deacon, who were the light of her life. She is also survived by her sisters, Barbara (Bernie) Poeppelman, Anna, and Dot Custenborder; her in-laws, Gary (Diana) Daugherty of Greenville, Melanie (Dick) Goldsmith of Bellefontaine, and Charlotte Daugherty of St. Marys; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members. She was also preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Doug Custenborder.

Rita was a 1974 graduate of St. Marys Memorial High School. She continued her education at Wright State University–Lake Campus, where she earned her paralegal degree. She worked for several years at Pantry Pride in St. Marys before serving as a paralegal at the Berry Kemp Law Office. Together with Mike, she fulfilled a shared passion by owning and operating The Menagerie, an antiques and collectibles store in St. Marys, where they built lasting friendships within the community.

A member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Rita lived her faith through kindness, generosity, and service. She loved antiquing, had a special place in her heart for animals, and was a wonderful cook who delighted in preparing meals for her family. Her infectious smile, gentle spirit, and ability to see the good in everyone left a lasting impression on all who knew her. She especially treasured her role as grandmother and loved her grandsons beyond measure. She generously donated her time to the Sister Cities of St. Marys and was always willing to help others in her community.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her family and friends.

A Funeral Liturgy and Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 4:00 PM at Cisco Funeral Home, 1175 E. Greenville Rd., St. Marys, with Deacon Marty Brown officiating. Family and friends may call from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the funeral home prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to SART, St. Marys, which is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption of stray cats in the community.

The staff of Cisco Funeral Homes of Celina and St. Marys are honored to care for Rita and her family. To share condolences or memories, please visit www.ciscofuneralhome.com or the Cisco Funeral Home Facebook page.