Rita Ann Sutherly was a beloved grandmother, mother, and wife. She passed away peacefully at the age of 81 on Sunday, July 7, 2024.

Rita was born on May 31, 1943, in Troy, OH, to the late John Macy and Evelyn (Border) Macy. Her father was a factory assembler, and her mother was a homemaker. She had one younger sister, Jill Gearhardt of Troy, OH. Rita attended Elizabeth Elementary for grade school and spent two years at Miami Central before graduating from the consolidated Miami East High School. During high school, she was honored as the homecoming queen and salutatorian of the class of 1961.  It was during her high school years that she met her future husband, Richard Sutherly. They were married November 16, 1963 and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary among family and friends this past year.  They raised two children, Dan Sutherly of Troy, OH, and Amy Reiter of Perrysburg, OH.

Rita and Richard enjoyed traveling and were fortunate to have many unique experiences. Rita was an active member of Cove Spring Church in Troy, OH, and enjoyed working as a secretary for her son at Daniel R. Sutherly & Co., Inc. in Troy, OH. She could often be found cooking delicious meals or spoiling one of her adored dogs. Rita was known for her selflessness and often put the needs and well-being of her family and friends ahead of her own. She cherished her family and friends and filled her home with warmth and kindness. Most importantly, Rita loved spending time with her granddaughters, Grace and Lydia Reiter. They enjoyed making cookies and gingerbread houses, working on jigsaw puzzles, and playing "Rummikub" together.

Rita is survived by her husband, Richard; her son, Dan; her daughter, Amy; her granddaughters, Grace and Lydia; and her sister, Jill.  She leaves numerous nephews, nieces, three sisters-in-law, and many dear friends behind her.  Rita will be deeply missed by all those she's left behind. She was one of a kind, and to be loved by her was to be truly blessed.

Services will be held at 10:00AM on Friday, July 12, 2024 at Cove Spring Church, 5705 Walnut Grove-Clark County Road, Troy, OH with Pastor Greg Morrow officiating.  Interment to follow in Casstown Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 4:30PM-8:00PM on Thursday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Rita to Cove Spring Church. Condolences may be expressed to the family through www.bairdfuneralhome.com.

Cove Spring Church
5705 E. Walnut Grove-Clark County Rd., Troy OH 45373