Rita S. Gerling, 64, of Versailles, died at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 1, 2009, at her residence. Death was due to cancer.

She was born Jan. 28, 1945, in Frenchtown, to Ferdinand and Frances Hartings Nieport. On April 22, 1967, she married Robert P. Gerling, who survives.

Other survivors are her children, Darlene (Steve) Lawrence, Versailles, Brian (Renee), Yorkshire, Stephanie (Billy) Dirksen, Maui, Hawaii, Denise (Dave) Ruhenkamp, and Michelle all of Versailles, a mother-in-law, Juanita Gerling, Versailles; two brothers, Paul (Marsha) Nieport, Frenchtown, and Walter (Vivian) Nieport, Greenville; three sisters, Irene Jones, Osgood, Mary (John) Wendeln, Fort Loramie, and Rosella (Ed) McClurg, St. Sebastian; hr mothr-in-law, Juanita Baltes Gerland, Versailles; and seven grandchildren.

Deceased are a sister-in-law, Marty Nieport; and a brother-in-law, Paul Jones.

She retired from Wayne Hospital in Greenville, where she was a registered nurse for 37 years. She was a member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Osgood.

Funeral mass is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church, the Rev. David Zink officiating. Burial is at St. Valbert Cemetery, Versailles.

Calling is 4-8 p.m. Wednesday and 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. at Bailey Zechar Funeral Home, Versailles.

Contributions can be made to Eternal Word Television Network.

Condolences may be left at www.zecharbailey.com.