Rita Helen Pletcher

Rita Helen Pletcher, 100, passed away February 9, 2024, at Kingston Residence of Sylvania while receiving Ohio Living Hospice care. Rita was born February 7, 1924, the fourth of five children born to Roy G. and Mary T. (Haverstock) Wernert. Rita attended St. Agnes Grade School and graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1942, playing clarinet in the band and making lifelong friends. She began working at Spicer, then at Doehler Jarvis, and much later in life at Canteen Food Service.

Rita married Lowell E. Kilman, Jr. on September 7, 1946. She was a loving stay-at-home mom; providing nightly sit-down dinners and daily huge school lunches while keeping a meticulous home and making sure their seven children always looked their best while transporting them to their many activities.

Rita married John H. Pletcher on July 23, 1983. They enjoyed each other’s company and spent summers together on Chippewa Lake in Michigan until his passing in June, 2000. Rita was a longtime parishioner of Regina Coeli parish until her marriage to John at St. Patrick of Heatherdowns, where she enjoyed singing in the funeral choir, contributing to funeral luncheons, always supporting and participating in parish activities. As a widow, Rita renewed her high school friendship with classmate Carl (Bob) Trompeter until his passing in 2009.

Rita was an enthusiastic supporter of Central Catholic High School, as well as Notre Dame and Ohio State football. She also enjoyed attending many of her grandchildren’s activities.

Rita was predeceased by her parents, her husband, John H. Pletcher; her former husband and father of her children, Lowell Kilman; her brothers, Charles and James; her sisters Rosemary (Robert) Beckham, and Lenore (James) Bates; and her grandson, Steven Krieger. Her memory will be treasured by her children Linda (Randy) Wangler, Barbara (Rick) Mann, Kenneth (Renee) Kilman, Kathleen Henry, Kimberly (Tony) Synowczyk, Gina (Rob) Krieger, and Christine Kilman; 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; as well as John’s son, John H. Pletcher, Jr. (Phyllis) and their children.

A funeral Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated by Fr. Chuck Denny, (Rita’s godchild), at St. Patrick of Heatherdowns on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. followed by private family interment. Visitation at Walter Funeral Home, 4653 Glendale Ave., Toledo, Friday, February 16, 2024, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm, with recitation of the Rosary at 7:00. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the charity of your choice.

The family would like to recognize and thank Kingston, especially Ann, RN, and Missy, RN; and Ohio Living Hospice, especially Kerrie, RN, for their compassionate care.