Rita Harter

1925 - 2026

Rita F. Harter, age 101, of St. Marys, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, at Vancrest of St. Marys.
She was born on Jan. 10, 1925, in St. Henry, Ohio, to Ben and Emma (Thobe) Gehle. On October 10, 1942, Rita married the love of her life, Ray Harter, who preceded her in death on Feb. 5, 1974. Rita was the last surviving member of the Ben and Emma Gehle family.
She is lovingly survived by her daughter, Connie (Gary) Rohrbach of St. Marys; two sons, Dan Harter of Celina and Jerry Harter of Lynchburg, Ohio; and her sister-in-law, Gert Gehle of Covington, Ohio. Rita was a proud grandmother to 10 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 13 great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, Rita was preceded in death by a grandson, Trae Harter; a daughter-in-law, Suki Harter; a dear friend, Dick Hart; six brothers, all with the last name Gehle: Clarence (Alice), Ray (Carrie), Elmer, Victor (Barb), Norbert, and Louis; and four sisters, Alvina Gehle, Irma (Harley) Garner, Louetta (Paul) Walter, and Edna (Phil) Membury.
Rita was a devoted member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in St. Marys, where she belonged to the Altar Society and Friends of Holy Rosary. She was also a lifetime member of Celina VFW Post 5713 Ladies Auxiliary.
Rita truly enjoyed life and found great joy in spending time with her family and friends. She was well known for sharing stories around her kitchen table, playing cards, and enjoying trips to the casino.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Cisco Funeral Home, 1175 E. Greenville Road, St. Marys, Ohio 45885.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in St. Marys, with Fr. Adam Berning officiating. The family will receive friends at Cisco Funeral Home on Friday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to the service.
Graveside services will follow at St. Marys Catholic Cemetery in Celina.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Friends of Holy Rosary and/or Grand Lake Hospice.
The caring staff at Cisco Funeral Homes of Celina and St. Marys is honored to serve Rita's family during this difficult time. Condolences, memories, and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ciscofuneralhome.com.