RITA M. BRAND

Rita M. Brand, age 84, of Troy, Ohio passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2015 at the Miami Valley Hospital, Dayton, Ohio.  She was born on October 26, 1930 in DeGraff, Ohio to the late Harry and Elizabeth (Hollinger) Hamel. She was married to Vincent E. Brand for 58 years, who preceded her in death on December 9, 2013.

Rita is survived by her daughter, Linda Johnston of Troy; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Sonja Brand of Van Buren, Ohio; grandchildren and their spouses, Brian and Kellie Brand of Troy, Jenny and Steve Wright of Troy, Matthew and Emily Brand of Sherrills Ford, North Carolina, Katherine and Adam Fox of Troy, Andrew Johnston of Troy, Rebecca and Chase Scarborough of Canal Winchester, Chelsea Myers of Greenville and Marcus Brand of Van Buren; eight great-grandchildren, Alex and Jackson Brand, Madison and Braden Wright, Vincent and Dominic Brand and Andrew and Anna Scarborough and one sister, Joann Kropp of Troy.  In addition to her parents and her husband, Rita was preceded in death by one son, Bruce Brand.

Rita was a 1949 graduate of Troy High School. She was a longtime member of the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter #256 of Troy. Rita served as secretary for the Miami County Commissioners office for over 25 years. After her retirement, she was employed with Harborside Healthcare Center. She loved her husband and family and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.  She also enjoyed spending time with the 49ers club, gardening and reading.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with interment in Riverside Cemetery, Troy, Ohio.  Memorial contributions may be made to Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter #256, c/o 4495 State Route 589, Casstown, OH 45312 or the Alzheimer's Association, Miami Valley Chapter, 31 West Whipp Road, Dayton, OH 45459 . Friends may express condolences to the family through www.bairdfuneralhome.com .