Name: Visitation for Rita Wilson
Start: 2023-10-31T18:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-10-31T20:00:00.000Z
Location: Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home - Spencerville

ELIDA -- Rita (Nolan) Wilson passed away at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana, as a result of injuries sustained in a recent automobile accident.

She was born on January 1, 1946 in Celina, Ohio, to Richard and Vera (Beer) Nolan, who preceded her in death. On March 18, 1967, she married her high school sweetheart, Tom Wilson, who survives.

She graduated from Spencerville High School in 1964. She later graduated from Wright State University in Celina with a bachelor degree in secondary education. She taught 2nd grade at Spencerville Elementary for four years and finished her teaching career at Elida Elementary after 26 years of teaching.

She participated in GAA (Girls Athletic Association) in high school for four years. She was a member of the Lima Baptist Temple and taught and played the piano for the Pathfinders Class, which is a class for adults with special needs, for over 48 years.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Tom, daughters Stephanie (Josh) Shutt-Steinke of Wapakoneta, and Starla (Scot) Ross of Greenville, two sisters Patti (Ken) Gelhaus of Coldwater, and Jean (Al) Rohrbacher of Lake Placid, Florida, brothers in-law George Wilson, Joe (Judy) Wilson, Bill (Glenda) Wilson , Chuck (Bonnie) Wilson and sisters in-law Susie Wilson, Barb Wilson, Sandy Dearth, Sally Denbow and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Tiffani (Beau) Bryant, Nicholas (Hannah Stump) Shutt, Kira Burton, Jessica (Gabe) Swan, Josie Ross, Mason Steinke, and Lucas Steinke. She is also survived by seven great grandchildren, Ryker, Harper, Avery, Kendall, Ezra, Madilynn, and Atticus.

She was preceded in death by brothers-in-law Jim (Nancy) Wilson, Dave Wilson, John Wilson, Jerry (Marilyn) Wilson, Paul Wilson, and sisters-in-law Carol Heil and Mary Kohli.

There will be a visitation from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville. Visitation will continue from 9:30-10:30 a.m. followed by her funeral service at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at the Lima Baptist Temple in Lima with Pastor Gary Hohman and Pastor Ben Anderson officiating. Burial will be at Maplewood Cemetery near Spencerville. Memories may be shared and viewed by visiting www.baylifffuneral.com. Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville is caring for Rita and her family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Lima Baptist Temple, 982 Brower Rd., Lima, Ohio 45801.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Lima News from Oct. 27 to Oct. 28, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Rita Wilson

15 Entries

Tammy M

February 9, 2024

Recently learned of the loss of this precious lady. She taught one of my daughters in elementary. She was a wonderful woman & teacher. May her family find comfort & peace in the Lord Jesus.

Sharyn (Boyer) Cox

November 1, 2023

Rita was a very kind and special person with a beautiful smile. I knew her entire family for many years and I grieve with them now. We were in many activities together: neighbor, church, choir, MYF, 4-H. It was always good to see her when I was home. She will be missed. I know she is in Heaven now and smiling at her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
To her family: I am so sorry. I´ve been thinking of you and praying for God"s comfort in this time of loss.
Sincerely,
Shari (Boyer) Cox

T. Glenn

October 31, 2023

I know Mrs. Wilson as my teacher ar Elida Elementary. She was always smiling. Was such a amazing teacher and was like a mother.to us. I cried when we moved. But seen her at Lbt church. And was so happy. I miss her sooo much. And she will truely. Truely be .missed. the family are in our prayers

Mike and Nancy Bible

October 31, 2023

Mrs Wilson was my son´s second grade teacher at Elida and she was so special! She sent him a birthday card every year after while he was in school. She was the most kind and caring person we knew! She will be sorely missed.

Mike and Nancy Bible

Kathy Byrne

October 29, 2023

Tom and family, I am shocked and saddened to read of Rita's passing. What a simply beautiful sweet spirit that defined Rita. I admired her for the many years of giving of her time and sharing the gospel to those with special needs. Rest in peace Rita and enjoy the rewards of Heaven.
Kathy Byrne

Jim Sawmiller

October 28, 2023

To the Family of Tom Wilson You have my Sympathy
Rita It's Not Goodbye It's Until We meet Again

Debbie B

October 28, 2023

Deepest sympathy to the Wilson family. I truly enjoyed helping Mrs Wilson select materials and fill teacher collections for her at the Lima Public Library. We always had the nicest chats! What a sweet lady!! Prayers for peace and comfort.

Tim and Cheryl Goliver

October 28, 2023

Sorry for your loss, she was a precious lady, we are praying for you Tom and your family .

Tony and Jean Sroufe

October 28, 2023

Tom and family. We want to express our deepest condolences to you and the family. We are very saddened to hear of Rita´s passing. She was one of the kindest people we have known. We always enjoyed having you for neighbors. Our prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Jim and Chrys Hochstetler

October 28, 2023

We are so saddened to hear of Rita's tragic and sudden passing! She was truly a light in this dark world and a BLESSING to everyone who knew her. May God grant supernatural comfort and strength to Tom and the entire family.

Annette Cypher

October 28, 2023

So very sorry. Rita was so very kind and loving to everyone! A beautiful life gone too early. Prayers for strength for her family and friends.

Karen Perrine

October 28, 2023

Tom I´m so saddened to hear of Rita´s passing. Heaven truly gained a special person! I have so many great memories of working with you both in Pathfinders that I will forever cherish! May God comfort you during this difficult journey.

Jim and pat Sherrick

October 28, 2023

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Janice Basinger

October 28, 2023

Tom and family
So sorry to hear about Rita´s passing.... what a loss! What a sweet spirit of a person she was with a contagious smile shining from her. Love talking to her! She will truly be miss. Be praying for you and your family.

Joe and Lynn Hunt

October 28, 2023

Tom
So sorry to hear of Rita's passing. She a great lady, always had a smile easy to talk with She will be missed. Please know we will be praying for you and family
Joe and Lynn Hunt

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