Rita was born July 6, 1928 in Hopewell Township to Ignatius I. and Veronica H. (Mangette) Yost. She married Harold E. Knaup on January 5, 1950 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. He died February 22, 2006.
Rita is survived by two sons, Charles R. Knaup, Joseph H. Knaup both of Tiffin; two daughters, Phyllis A. Sleek of Risingsun, Karen R. (Gary) Nye of New Riegel; five grandchildren, Kristy Knaup, Kathy Fredritz, Melissa Nye, Shawn Nye, Derek Nye; and five great-grandchildren, Clayton Dyer, Victoria Fredritz, Taylor Fredritz, Laney Nye and Azrael Nye Adkins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; five brothers, Marcus E., Eugene X., Leonard R., Gerald H., and Cletus J. Yost; four sisters, Mary Elizabeth Hess, Lenora B. Yost, Gertrude L. Clouse, and Isabelle M. Helle; and a granddaughter, Veronica Rose Sleek.
Rita was a 1947 graduate of Calvert Catholic High School, a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Moose. She retired after 17 years at the former Tiffin Enterprise as a laborer. Rita was an avid collector of Angels and glassware, and enjoyed Bingo, playing cards and playing the organ.
Visitation for family and friends will be 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 26, 2013 at the Traunero Funeral Home and Crematory, 214 S. Monroe Street, Tiffin, OH 44883, 419-447-3113. A Wake service will take place at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Prayers will be said at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 27, 2013 at the funeral home.
A Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 27, 2013 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Rev. Joseph Szybka officiating. The Rosary will be recited 20 minutes prior to the Mass at the church. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Calvert Catholic High School, St. Joseph Catholic Church, or a charity of the donor's choice in care of the funeral home.