Rita Boyhan

M. Rita Boyhan, 97, longtime resident of Marion, Ohio, passed peacefully at Westbrook Assisted Living in Upper Sandusky.

Rita was born September 26, 1925 in Columbus to the late Clyde and Margaret (Snyder) Neiswander. She attended catholic schools and graduated from Holy Family High School. On June 2, 1948, she married Jack Boyhan who preceded her in death on February 24, 2005.

Rita was a lover of Jesus and a woman of prayer. Her faith carried her through many troubling times. Her family was important to her, and she considered them to be her greatest accomplishments. Surviving are her five children, Thomas Lige Boyhan, Kathy Laughbaum, Rebecca Dutton, John (Diane) Boyhan, Teea (Dan)Linn; eight grandchildren, Brian (Lynn) Gilmore, Todd (Tiffany) Gilmore, Maryellen Dutton, Daniel Linn, Tobias (Isabelle) Fleming, Jaime (Corey) Stout, Daniel Boyhan and Christopher (Diane) Boyhan; seven great grandchildren and a sister, Peg Loraine.

Along with her parents and husband, Rita was preceded in death by a son, Rob Boyhan, two grandchildren, Patrick Boyhan and Janette Fleming; two brothers, Bill and Tom Neiswander and a sister, Eileen Cottril.

Rita worked for Ohio Dept of Agriculture Extension Agency for several years where she taught cooking and nutrition to young mothers. She also worked for Marion Area Counseling Center as a recreational assistant for the MAC West Program. She was a member of St. Mary Parish for most of her life until Jack decided they would attend Richwood Church of Christ.

A memorial graveside service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, April 8 in Marion Cemetery South Addition with Pastor Josh Hause officiating.

If desired, donations can be made payable to Marion Area Counseling Center. These donations will be accepted through Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio and expressions of sympathy can be shared on her tribute wall.