Rita Ann Rich

Rita Ann Rich, age 66, of Eaton, Ohio, died on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at her residence.  Born on January 29, 1958 in Dayton, Ohio, daughter of the late Richard G. & Areta Joyce (Miller) Wentz.

Rita graduated in 1978 from Eaton High School.   She then graduated from a Canine School and ran her own kennel “Rite Way Training Center” in Eaton for many years.   She then became the first woman fire fighter in Preble County serving with the Eaton Fire Department.  She also drove a School Bus for Eaton City Schools.   She loved gardening & animals.   Her passion was to collect and study Native American history and artifacts.

Preceded by her husband, William “Bill” James Rich, Sr. in 2008; infant sister, Laura Lynn Wentz in 1956; sister, Beth Ann Shelton in 2020; brother Bradley G. Wentz in 1986. 

Survived by daughter & son-in-law, Mia & Chris Hogan; adopted daughter, Tricia Proctor; grandchildren, Neaveh Newman, Ethan Floyd, Rylee Floyd, Cameron Hercutt; great grandson, Dallas Gara; brother, Richard D. Wentz; nieces, Heidi Easley, Laura Sanderson, and Amanda Gabbard; nephew, Josh Steele; several cousins and friends.  

Celebration of Life Service and a carry in meal will be held from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Friday, April 19, 2024 at the Eaton United Church of Christ, 113 West Decatur Street, Eaton, Ohio.  Rita had donated her body to science to make the world a better place.