Cover photo for Rita Arlene Palmer Walt's Obituary
Rita Arlene Palmer Walt Profile Photo
1931 Rita Arlene Palmer Walt 2025

Rita Arlene Palmer Walt

June 28, 1931 — January 9, 2025

Lancaster

Rita Arlene Palmer Walt 93 of Lancaster, Ohio passed assay on Thursday, January 9, 2025 at OSU Wexner Medical Center. She was born on June 28, 1931 in Columbus, Ohio to the late Nelson and Lillie Palmer. 

She retired from Essex Wire with 30 years of service and later ran Baker Rental Co. for 30 years. Rita was a member of the D. A. R. and was a big history buff and into her heritage. She was a big OSU Buckeye Fan.

Rita is survived by her sons, William Sullivan of Columbus, Steven (Beth) Walt  of Florida and Jeffrey (Debbie) Walt of Lancaster and Gary Walt of Florida; daughters, Carol (James) Chapin and Joy (William) Keely all of Lancaster; grandchildren, Brooke (David Burkholder) Bell, Zachary Bell, Joshua Walt, Tara (Ron) Barker, Ashlynn Walt, Sarah Walt, Lillie Chapin and Laura Chapin; multiple great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Russell L. Walt, Jr. grandson, Jason Walt, parents, and her brother, Jack Palmer.

Funeral service will be held Monday, January 20, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the FRANK E. SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 405 N. COLUMBUS ST., LANCASTER, OHIO 43130 with Rev, Diane Gugle officiating. Burial will follow in Lebanon Cemetery, Junction City. Friends may visit 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorial gifts may be given to Hospice of Central Ohio, 2269 Cherry Valley Rd. SE, Newark, OH 43055.

To send an online condolence, and sign the guest book, please visit www.funeralhome.com.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Rita Arlene Palmer Walt, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Upcoming Services

Visitation

Monday, January 20, 2025

10:00 - 11:00 am (Eastern time)

Frank E. Smith Funeral Home Chapel - Lancaster

405 N Columbus St, Lancaster, OH 43130

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Funeral Service

Monday, January 20, 2025

Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)

Frank E. Smith Funeral Home Chapel - Lancaster

405 N Columbus St, Lancaster, OH 43130

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Guestbook

Visits: 578

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Send Flowers

Send Flowers

Plant A Tree

Plant A Tree