Rita J. Dentzer, 75, formerly of rural Columbia City, died at 10:18 p.m. Friday, January 13, 2023 at Coventry Meadows Senior Care in Fort Wayne.

Born on November 28, 1947, in Dayton, Ohio, she was a daughter of the late Walter M. and Mildred M. (Harmon) Garwood. Moving to Indiana at an early age, she grew up in Decatur.

On October 23, 1965, she married Daniel W. Dentzer. They made their first home in Fort Wayne.  In 1994, the couple moved to rural Columbia City. Daniel died on October 3, 2021.

In addition to being a full-time homemaker, she worked part-time in food service for the South Whitley Schools and then Trier Automotive in Columbia City.

Surviving are her children, Margaret (Robert) Cash, Joshua D. Dentzer both of Columbia City, and Dale D. Dentzer; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a sister, Marilyn Thompson of Decatur and a brother, Butch Johnson of Fort Wayne.

A private family service was held at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.  Rita was interred next to her husband at the Nolt Cemetery.

Memorials in Rita's honor are to Heart to Heart Hospice.