Rita M. Waechter

MUNCIE - Rita M. Waechter, 98, died peacefully on November 21, 2025 at Cedar Creek in Muncie, Indiana. Throughout her life, she was devoted to her family, her faith and the community.
Born in Millhousen, Indiana, on January 28, 1927, Rita was the youngest daughter of Bernard and Clara (Hardebeck) Blankman. She had five brothers and four sisters, all of whom preceded her in death. Rita graduated in 1945 from Greensburg (Ind.) High School and in 1949 from Ball State Teachers College. In 1948, Rita married William C. (Bill) Waechter, who preceded her in death. Together they raised six children, Ron (Carla), Dave (Mary), Carol (Mike) Turner, Mike (Cathy Mark), Joe (Hanna) and Dan (Jayne).
Rita had 15 grandchildren: Renee Haney, Diane Inman, Matt Waechter, Kim Goytia, Ryan Waechter, Bethany Jarman, Josie Stewart, Kaitlyn Costas, Jennifer Whittenburg, Bill Waechter, Kristen Banet, Jessica Boots, Angela Rader, Jason Dailey, Noah Waechter and Rachel Waechter. In addition, she had 12 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
Rita and her husband operated an accounting firm, a poultry business and wood packaging manufacturing firm. Following her husband's death, Rita continued operating the packaging manufacturing firm along with her son Ron.
Rita attended St. Lawrence Catholic Church and for 47 years was part of the choir. She taught religious education, volunteered at the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store and was a member of the Daughters of Isabella.
While in junior high, Rita won the regional spelling bee in Louisville and was awarded a trip to Washington, DC, an accomplishment she was always proud of. She was unable to compete nationally because of World War Two. Rita began playing golf later in life and continued playing through her early 90s. When she was 86, she shot a hole-in-one. She was also an avid bowler, playing on several leagues.
Active in her community, Rita served as a Republican Precinct Committeewoman and was president of Widowed Persons Service. She was a volunteer tax preparer for AARP, and she spent 33 years as a volunteer for Meals-on-Wheels. Rita volunteered through RSVP and was an usher at Emens Auditorium and Civic Theater.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 1, 2025 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 820 E. Charles Street, Muncie. Burial will follow in Elm Ridge Cemetery.
Family and friends may call at The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, Washington Street Chapel, from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.meeksmortuary.com.