Rita Leiendecker

Rita S. Leiendecker, age 73 of Thurston, died August 14th, 2018 at the Pickering House. She was born on Jan. 20, 1945 in Columbus. She worked for 3M and raised her two children. She enjoyed crosswords, sewing, crocheting, gardening, and reading. Rita always had a warm place in her heart for animals and her family. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Terry L. Leiendecker; daughter, Stacey Leiendecker; son, Chris (Elizabeth) Leiendecker; grandchildren, Meara Leiendecker; Shawon Leiendecker; step-grandson, Jesse Wampler; siblings, Albert Welch Jr., Carol (Dwight) Hite, Fred Woods, and Larry Woods; several nieces and nephews; 6 cats; one foster cat; and a dog.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and step-mother, Ruth Welch; mother, Elizabeth Windon; siblings, Bob Woods, Richard Tinkham, and Herbert Tinkham.

A funeral service will take place on Friday, at 10:30AM at the Johnson-Smith Funeral Home, officiated by Pastor Kae Merold. Burial will follow at Floral Hills Memory Garden. Family and friends may call from 2PM until 4PM and 6PM until 8PM on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials can be made in Rita's name to FairHoPe Hospice, 282 Sells Rd. Lancaster, OH 43130 or The James Cancer Research, 1480 West Lane Avenue Columbus, OH 43221. Online condolences can be made at www.funeralhome.com