Rita M. Birt, age 98 of Celina, Ohio, passed away on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at her home on Skeels Road.

She was born on February 23, 1926 in Zanesville, Ohio to the late Clyde and Marie (Nau) Schell. On December 12, 1945, she married her high school sweetheart, James Birt, and they had the privilege of celebrating 79 years together.

She is survived by her children, Larry Birt of Celina, Ohio, Beverly and Joe Sutter of Kingman, Ariz., Deborah and Bruce Campbell of Mt. Gilead, Ohio; Vickie Hottes and David Conn of Vancouver, BC, Canada; and Sandy Sutter of Celina, Ohio; grandchildren, Jason Sutter, Amy Moody, Amanda Moffitt, David Bruns, Shawn Sutter, Jennifer Tuggle, Billie Jo Hiles, Travis Salway, and April Braun; 15 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Birt, a sister, Delores Schafer of Caldwell, Ohio, a brother, Clyde Shell Jr. of Chandlersville, Ohio and a son-in-law, Steve Sutter.

Rita was an active member, including teaching catechism, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Coldwater, Ohio. She worked throughout her life in various jobs including Buckeye Overall Company, Goodyear, Romer's Department Store, and as a study hall monitor at Coldwater High School. She was the first woman bus driver employed by Coldwater Schools and loved the children dearly. Many of those children, once grown, would seek her out just to say hello. She was always the first one to lend a helping hand to anyone in need and has touched so many young peoples' hearts.

She will be sadly missed and forever in our hearts.

Condolences may be left at hogenkampfh.com.