Rita Mcgee Howley Summers

Rita McGee Howley Summers, 86, of Vermilion, died Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at Mercy Hospital, Lorain after a short illness. She was the daughter of Arthur and Corrine (Alten) McGee. Born May 1, 1924 in Lorain, she had been a Vermilion resident for the past 58 years. Rita graduated from St John's School of Nursing, Baldwin Wallace College with a B.A. in Art History and completed one year of Masters program at Oberlin College. She was a registered nurse at St. John's Hospital, Cleveland, and a U.S. Cadet Nurse. She worked for Lehman Johnson Realty as a realtor and appraiser after raising her family. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, the Vermilion Boat Club, the Vermilion Yacht Club, Vermilion College Club, and an active member of the Great Lakes Historical Society where she was editor of the Chadburn and on the Board of Directors. She was an excellent bridge player and enjoyed boating. Rita was an original member of the Wet Hens Women's Sailing Club and played golf at Willow Creek, Thunderbird and Vermilion Country Club. Rita was a member of the Ohio Arts Council and a supporter of the arts. Rita was a loving wife, proud mother and grandmother and could shop with the best of them! She is survived by her husband of 20 years, William Summers; daughter, Suzanne (Roger) Whitacre of Columbus; sons, Robert (Nancy) Howley, Jr. of Columbus and David (Danielle) Howley of Hopedale, MA; son-in-law, Marc Krupp of Southlake, TX; grandchildren, Alison Kleibscheidel, Sara and Emily Whitacre, Peter and Robbie Krupp, Andrew and Amy Howley and Olivia and William Howley; stepchildren, Mike (Wendy) Summers, and Judy (Les) Fox; and 6 step grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Nancy Howley Krupp, 2006; stepdaughter, Becky Summers in 1992; grandson, Peter Howley; and brothers, Arthur and David McGee. Friends may call Friday, Jan. 28, 2011 from 4-7 p.m. at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, Ohio. Prayers will be Saturday, Jan. 29, 2011 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home followed by a Memorial Mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 731 Exchange Street, Vermilion, Ohio. Father Ron Brickner will officiate. Interment will follow at Brownhelm Cemetery, Vermilion. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Great Lakes Historical Society, 480 Main Street, Vermilion, Ohio, 44089. Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com <http://www.riddlefuneralhome.com.