Reita Rader

Reita P. Rader, 66, of Bellefontaine, Ohio, passed away on Tuesday, April 28, 2009, at the Grant Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. She was born in Walnut Grove, Ohio, on November 9, 1942, to the late Elbie John and Evelyn Elizabeth (Jones) Wilgus. She was preceded in death by a stillborn son, Brent E. Rader' a grandchild, Carleigh; and, brother-in-laws, Paul Zupp and Frank Funk.

She married Charles E. Rader on July 8, 1962 in Rushsylvania, Ohio, and he survives. Also surviving are 2 sons, Bradley (Karen) Rader of Bellefontaine, and Brian (Traci) Rader of Rushsylvania; a brother, Ivan (Cherie) Wilgus of Walnut Grove; 4 sisters, Ruth Zupp of Rushsylvania, Genevieve “Genny” (Ed Herring) Funk of McComb, Ohio, Eileen “Cricket” Wical of Bellefontaine, and Freda “Shorty” (Rusty) Quay of Kenton, Ohio; and 4 grandchildren, Hillary, Whitney, Mackenzie, and Hannah.

Reita and her husband owned and operated Sports Plus in Bellefontaine until February 2009. She worked at the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, Superior Coach of Lima, Ohio, and also worked as a bookkeeper for her father at Wilgus Implement and was a secretary at Valley Hi Ski Resort.

In 1960 she graduated from the Rushsylvania High School and grew up riding and showing horses and ponies with her family. She was the key board player of the “Country Hearts Band” with 2 of her sisters. Reita was very family oriented and loved to watch her grandchildren in sports and activities. She was an avid golfer, loved to bowl and enjoyed playing cards.

Calling hours are Friday, May 1, 2009, at the Eichholtz Funeral Home in Bellefontaine from 2 P.M. to 8 P.M. Pastor Andy Stahler will conduct the funeral service at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, May 2, 2009, at the Eichholtz Funeral Home in Bellefontaine. Burial will follow in the Grove Cemetery in Kenton, Ohio.

The family has asked that memorial contributions be made to the American Diabetes Association 644 Linn Street Suite 304 Cincinnati, OH 45203; or to the Bellefontaine Athletic Boosters 820 Ludlow Road Bellefontaine, OH 43311.

Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.eichholtzfuneralhome.com

---