Rita Koehler

Rita A. Koehler, (nee Vitek), 91, passed peacefully away January 13, 2015 at her home in Richmond Heights. She was born March 5, 1923 and lived in South Euclid before moving to Richmond Heights 60 years ago.

As a homemaker, she was devoted to her family. She was a longtime parishioner of St. Paschal Baylon Church and as a volunteer founded the school’s library. She enjoyed her lengthy membership in both Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Guild and the Richmond Heights Garden Club. She took pleasure in cooking, canning, and gardening. Rita will be remembered most for her caring, thoughtful, generous nature as well as for her very strong Catholic faith. She was an outgoing woman who was kind and outgoing but also tended to be a jokester. The thing that gave Rita the most enjoyment in her life was her children and grandkids. Rita was an Indians fan who also loved to go swimming, boating and camping.

She is survived by her children Karen Kirksey of Richmond Heights, Marlene Piunno of Bainbridge, John (Sandee) of Willoughby Hills, Debbie Cerankosky (Chuck) of Kirtland and Jeffrey (Brenda) of Grafton; devoted grandmother of Nicole Morgan (Tim), Shelly Whalen (Mike), Ronnie Hollenbeck (Kristy), Michael Hollenbeck, Dan Piunno (Emily), Mathew Piunno (Heidi), Mark Piunno (Chanel), Kevin Koehler (Erin), Amy Lombardo (Joe), Chuck, Brittany, and Katelyn Cerankosky, and Nicholas Fitzgerald, great-grandmother of 17 and 1 great-great- grandson; sister-in-law Shirley, brother-in-law Don, brother Frank (Jean), aunt, great-aunt, and friend of many.

She was preceded in death by her parents James and Anna (nee Toman), husband of 66 years, Jack, brothers James, Elmer, and Raymond, sister Mary Jean, sister-in-law Ruth, and son-in-law Rodino Piunno.

Contributions may be made in Rita’s memory to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Claire Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110.

Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, January 17, 2015, at St. Paschal Baylon Catholic Church 5384 Wilson Mills Road, Highland Heights, OH 44143 at 9 AM. Burial following at All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Rita at The DeJohn-Flynn-Mylott Funeral Home of Willoughby Hills 28890 Chardon Road (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) Friday 3-5 and 6-8 PM.