Also preceding her in death were two brothers, Meredith Allan, who died in infancy, and Rodney Ellis Spires, Sr.; two nieces, Ruth Ann Zwies and Denise Marie Spires Sexton; two brothers-in-law, Mayo Bales and Walter C. Zwies; sister-in-law, Marie Spires; mother-in-law, Alice White.
She was a 1957 graduate of Kyger Creek High School, a member of Feeney-Bennett Post 128, American Legion Auxiliary and for a time served as a Ground Observer Corp Volunteer.
At the age of 13 she accepted Jesus as her personal Savior, was baptized and united with the Pomeroy Seventh-day Adventist Church. She maintained her membership there throughout her life. She loved to attend church and worship God on his Holy Sabbath, Saturday.
Through the years, she held various offices in her church and was serving as Church Clerk, Adult Class Teacher and Pianist at the time of her death. She loved Gods’ Word and had read it through several times. Her goal was to make heaven her home and help and encourage others along the way.
On July 30, 1973, she married Joseph (Junior) White, who survives. Together they tenderly cared for her Mother until her passing, January 20, 1997. Rita and Junior loved music and were well known for their musical talent. Until their health began to fail, they had entertained at many functions from Open House at the University of Rio Grande to Bob Evans Christmas Parties, Wedding Anniversaries, Alumni Banquets, Regattas, Fairs and Senior Centers. They also volunteered their time playing music at area nursing homes. They ministered through music at many churches in Ohio and West Virginia.
Her survivors also include, two sisters, Irma Bales of Middleport and Ardath Zwies of Pensacola, Fla.; a brother, Dennis M. Spires of Storys Run Road; six nephews, Ralph Bales, Rutland; Rodney (Punkie) Spires, Rutland; Walter Zwies, Texas; Wade Zwies, Florida; Tim Spires, Kyger and Steve Spires, Storys Run Road; four nieces: Rhonda Davidson, Wyoming; Diana Wears, Kyger; Julie Crabtree, Kerr; Cindy Spires, Rio Grande; a special great niece, Amanda Wears, Tennessee; along with several other great and great-great nieces and nephews; several cousins; Two sisters-in-law, Patsy Spires, Kyger; Ruth Robinson, Orlando, Fla.; last but not least her church family.
The most important thing in this life is to prepare for eternal life: Sometimes its hard to understand, And harder still to say. Thy will be done, when sorrows come, And sadness fills our day. But faith was meant for times like these, And if we take God’s hand, With loving wisdom he will help, our hearts to understand.
Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, October 18, 2010, at Anderson McDaniel Funeral Home in Middleport. Burial will be in Gravel Hill Cemetery. Friends may call on Sunday, October 17, 2010, from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.
An on-line registry is available at www.andersonmcdaniel.com.
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