Rita M. Heitkamp, age 80 of Minster, Ohio, died at 12:05 PM on Monday, March 13, 2023 at Mercer Health Hospital Coldwater, Ohio.

She was born on October 9, 1942 in Mercer County, Ohio to the late Clem & Agnes (Homan) Schulte. She married Walter R. Heitkamp on November 14, 1964 in Precious Blood Church, Chickasaw and he survives in Coldwater.

She is also survived by her 6 children: Karen & Mike Long, Minster, Ron Heitkamp, Minster, Chris Heitkamp, Findlay, Teresa & Steve Prenger, Minster, Ryan Heitkamp, Columbus, Craig Heitkamp, Minster, 8 grandchildren: Mitch Long, Columbus, Emily Long Rayfield & Hunter Rayfield, Columbus, Josh Heitkamp, Dayton, Noah Heitkamp, Chickasaw, Spencer, Tyler, Alayna and Evan Prenger, 2 great grandchildren: Izzy & Mack Long, Columbus, siblings: Mary & Pat Cogan, Wapakoneta, Jane Moore, New Bremen, Ken & Sharon Schulte, Celina, Jerry & Chris Schulte, New Bremen, in-laws: Ernie Heitkamp, Lebanon, Margie Heitkamp, Sidney and numerous nieces & nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter-in-law Faye Heitkamp, brother Marvin Schulte, brother-in-law Bill Moore, brothers-in-law: Marvin Heitkamp, Wilbur Heitkamp, Roger Heitkamp, Gerald Heitkamp, Anthony Holthaus, Joe Ballard, sisters-in-law: Roseanne Holthaus, Irene Ballard, Norma Keller, Mary Heitkamp and Sara Heitkamp.

Rita graduated from Marion Local High School in 1960. Upon graduation she took a secretary job at Celina Group. After marriage, she helped her husband on their dairy farm. She also took a part time job at the former Suchland's Flowers & Greenhouse. Rita did some childcare on the side. Perhaps the job she loved the most was working at the Bicycle Museum of America in New Bremen. There she enjoyed meeting & greeting many new people. She always had a warm smile for those she met. She was a beautiful lady inside and out. She loved her time with her children and grandchildren. The visits, the stories, the laughs and of course the cookies and snacks. She will be greatly missed by all. Rita was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Maria Stein as well as a member of the Ladies Sodality.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 AM Saturday, March 18, 2023 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Maria Stein with burial to follow in St. John Cemetery.

Friends may call at the Hogenkamp Funeral Home in Minster on Friday, March 17, from 2 to 6 PM and from 9:00 to 10:00 AM on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Briarwood Activity Fund.

Condolences may be left at www.hogenkampfh.com.