Rita C. Derose

Rita C. DeRose

April 25, 1933 – November 21, 2024

Rita C. DeRose, 91, of Port Clinton, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 21, 2024. Born on April 25, 1933, in Mansfield, Ohio, she was the beloved daughter of Lawrence and Theresa (McCarthy) Wilhelm.

On May 22, 1954, Rita married the love of her life, Peter DeRose. Together, they celebrated 70 joyful years of marriage, creating a legacy of love and devotion that inspired all who know them.

Rita dedicated her life to helping others, working as a nurse at Magruder Hospital in Port Clinton until her retirement in 1994. Her commitment to the hospital continued long after her career ended, as she remained a dedicated volunteer for decades. A woman of deep faith, Rita was an active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, where she chaired the annual smorgasbord event and participated in the Ave Maria Study Club for more than 45 years.

Known for her vibrant and social nature, Rita had a gift for connecting with everyone she met, always finding something to share. She took great pleasure in connecting with others and brought her love of socializing to family reunions and holiday gatherings. Rita also enjoyed camping and traveling the world, embracing adventure with her family and friends. Above all, she cherished her role as "Grandma" to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought immense joy to her life.

In recent years, Rita faced her battle with dementia with remarkable grace, supported by the unwavering love of her husband Pete, her family, and her friends.

Rita is survived by her husband, Pete, and their children: Stephen (Tammey) DeRose of Sandusky; Debra (Dan) Zvosec of Amherst; Theresa “teRi” (Marty Scott) DeRose of Catawba Island; and Mark (Sandy) DeRose of Port Clinton. She leaves behind her treasured grandchildren: Teashia, Brionne, Jessica, Matthew, Gabriel, Angela, David, and Kenneth; and great-grandchildren: Hudson, Charlotte, Graycee, Guiliauna, Georgia, Marcelus, Skye, Marc, Marissa, Joel, and Joey. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Omlor of Tiffin, and her brother, Lawrence (Felicia) Wilhelm of Chicago. Rita was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Kim; granddaughter, Katrina; and granddaughter-in-law, Noel.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Rita’s life at a visitation on Sunday, December 1, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Neidecker, Crosser & Priesman Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 1124 Fulton Street, Port Clinton, Ohio. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Father John Missler on Monday, December 2, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 414 Madison Street, Port Clinton, Ohio. Interment will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Port Clinton.

In honor of Rita’s memory, memorial contributions may be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church School, 109 W. Fourth Street, Port Clinton, Ohio, 43452, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.neideckercrosserpriesman.com.