Rita A. Ellison

FUNERAL SERVICE: 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 21, 2017, at Bethel Baptist Church OFFICIATING CLERGY: Pastor Michael Myers FINAL RESTING PLACE: Bethel Baptist Cemetery VISITATION: 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday at the Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the church To view Rita’s video tribute, please CLICK HERE Rita A. Ellison passed away on February 16, 2017, surrounded by her large family and Pastor Michael Myers. She was 57. Rita was born in Franklin, Indiana, on July 19, 1959, to Howard L. Goldsmith Sr. and Carol (McClintic) Goldsmith. Rita was a beloved wife, mom, granny and sister. Rita enjoyed several things including tending her garden, working puzzles, solving word scrambles, watching movies (especially Tyler Perry movies) and raising dogs. Her true passion was taking care of children, including her two daughters. Her love for children was evident, as over the years Rita cared for many of her nieces and nephews. Spending time with her grandchildren, Emily, Vincent and Abigail, brought her a tremendous sense of joy. Survivors include her loving husband of 39 years, Michael L. Ellison; daughters, Michelle L. Ellison and Stacy M. (John) Wart; and her three grandchildren. Rita also had three very close sisters, Rosemary (Donald) Wade of North Vernon, Virginia (Steven) Ebert of Columbus and Cindy (Gary) Poland of Columbus; and one brother, Howard (Natalie) Goldsmith. Rita was preceded in death by her father, Howard L. Goldsmith Sr.; her mother, Carol (McClintic) Goldsmith; father-in-law, Earl K. Ellison; and mother-in-law, Ruth Ellison.