Rita J. Hayes

Rita J. Hayes, 82, of Edinboro, died Saturday, October 26, 2024 at home. She was born in Erie, PA on July 19, 1942, the daughter of the late Klahr and Marion Young.

Rita married her best friend and love of her life, Donald Hayes, in 1965 in Kaiserslautern, Germany, where she was employed as a Government Service Registered Nurse at 2nd General Hospital in Landstuhl. Upon returning home, Rita was certified in College Health Nursing, and served as the Nursing Supervisor of the Ghering Health and Wellness Center at Edinboro University for 32 years. She had the distinction of being chosen as the university's first ever Staff Member of the Year.

Rita loved to quilt, knit and sew. She was active in the Girl Scouts of America movement for nearly 30 years, and was a well known area vocalist. She was a long time member of Edinboro United Methodist Church and Past Matron of Edinboro Chapter #139, Order of the Eastern Star. She considered it one of her greatest blessings to be able to share in the lives of four generations of descendants and of her many faithful friends.

In addition to her parents, Rita was preceded in death by two sisters and their husbands, Patricia and Charles Alward and Lois and Sidney Wheeler, and a niece, Melissa Alward.

Survivors included her beloved husband of 59 years, Donald Hayes; two daughters, Kathleen (Randy Leehan) Hayes, Pauline (Brian) Dunda; and a son, David (Dawn Marie) Hayes; 9 grandchildren, Justin McLachlan, Ciara, Alex and Taylor Hayes, William and Frederick Lenk, Jacob and Caytlynn Simpson, Brian Dunda, Jr.; 21 great grandchildren, Gracelynn, Andria, Emma, Kaia, Kambrielle, Kellen, Gabriella, Frederick, Jr., Waylynn, Melody, Harmony, Elijah, Olivia, Masyn, Itálei, Kyzen, Aisha, Anna, Bella, A. J., and Ryleigh.

No calling hours will be observed. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at Edinboro United Methodist Church, 118 High St., Edinboro, PA.

The Glunt Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., Edinboro, is entrusted with funeral arrangements.

Memorials may be made in Rita's name to Olmsted Retreat Center, 17 East Main St., Ludlow, PA 16333. To send condolences please visit www.gluntfuneralhome.com.