Rita E. Dooley

Rita Eileen Dooley, a long-time resident of Cincinnati, born July 19, 1940, passed away June 13 in Columbus.

Rita was a creative person whose love of crafts was only surpassed by her passion for finding great deals on craft supplies. She made pinecone wreaths for every season, sewed clothing for her children and others, and made unique handmade gifts. She also loved a good puzzle, whether crossword, jigsaw or a phone app.

She graduated from Our Lady of Angels High School in 1958, then trained as a legal secretary. Nov. 21, 1964, she married Charles M. “Charlie” Dooley, who preceded her in death in 1997.

She worked at a law firm before having her first child in 1967. She had two more children in the next three years, then a fourth 10 years later. While the older children were young, she stayed home to care for them and volunteered with Annunciation church and school, including creating backdrops for plays, such as the infamous choir boys, one of whom featured a black eye after spilled paint turned into a creative opportunity.

She later worked in various capacities as a secretary, office manager, retail clerk and deliverer of Meals on Wheels, where she loved visiting and interacting with clients.

Rita is survived by her children Denis (Christie), Deirdre, Darcy (Don Desender) and Daniel; grandchildren Kyle Tekaucic and Kelsea (Ric) Reinhold; and step-grandchildren Nikki (Martina), Jordan (Adriel Harris) and Brooke Desender; as well as numerous sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

She was the fifth born and final survivor of the 11 children of Bernard G. and Mary Sophia (Ratermann) Schuler: Larry, Ed, Bernie, Joan, Georgia, Carol, Jim, Martha, Paul and Greg. She is also preceded in death by many brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

In honor of Rita, we ask that everyone donate at least one bad memory, grudge, perceived slight or hard feeling to the abyss. Forgive others, not because they deserve forgiveness, but because you deserve peace.

Arrangements for Rita include a mass at 10 a.m. at Corpus Christi Church, 2014 Springdale Road, Saturday, June 20. She will be interred at Arlington Memorial Gardens, reunited with her husband of 33 years, at a future date.