Rita Patricia France

Rita P. (Smith) France, 85, of Bucyrus, died Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at Bucyrus Community Hospital following an extended illness.

She was born March 21, 1926 in Vincennes, Indiana to the late Charles H. and Gertrude C. (Farrell) Smith. Rita was a 1944 graduate of what is now St. Vincent/St. Mary's High School. Following graduation, Rita worked at Firestone in Akron for few years doing secretarial work. She had a very gifted voice and had the privilege of recording songs which were played on the radio. She also loved to ballroom dance, but she had a greater love, and that was for Robert C. France, Sr. whom she married in July of 1950. She worked by his side at the R.C. France Roller Arena and she loved caring for her family as a homemaker.

Rita was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church and a former member of the Roller Skating Teachers Association. She was a roller skating test judge for many years; she cherished her family, was a longtime supporter of St. Jude Children's Research and was an avid Notre Dame fan. Rita looked forward to her Thursday morning "Breakfast Club" at M & R in Galion and most recently enjoyed eating breakfast at her son's restaurant, The Gathering which was formerly Al Smith's Place. Rita enjoyed hours of watching the TCM channel.

In addition to her parents, Rita is preceded in death by brothers and sisters and her husband Robert C. France, Sr. whom she was married to for 57 years.

She is survived by Bob (Sue) France, Jr. of Mt. Dora, Fla., Bernie (Anita) France of Bucyrus, Roland France of Bucyrus, Margaret (Jim) Wilson of Cincinnati, Kathleen (Kevin) Woods and Ray (Patty) France both of Lima; twelve grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Her family will receive friends from 2 – 4 and 6 – 8 p.m. Monday, April 25 at Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820 where a Rosary service will be recited at 8:00 p.m. Rite of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Fr. Frederick Schill as Celebrant. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Contributions may be given to St. Jude Children's Research or to the France Family through the funeral home.



Visitation:

2 - 4 & 6 -8 p.m. Mon., April 25

Wise Funeral Service



Service:

11:00 a.m. Tue., April 26

Holy Trinity Catholic Church



Cemetery:

Oakwood Cemetery