Rita Diane Heller , 90, formerly of Columbia City, died peacefully at 12:50 p.m. Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at Heritage Pointe in Huntington.

Born on September 5, 1933, in Ashley, Indiana, she was a daughter of the late John W.  King and Edna Ann Schannen King. Growing up in Ashley, she graduated from Ashley High School in 1951where she met the love of her life Duane Ludean Heller.

She took a job with Fort Wayne Newspapers in the circulation department until her future husband returned from his military service.  The two were wed on August 26, 1956.  They made their home in Noble County, Indiana, for 25 years, moving to Auburn, where they lived for 15 years. In 2021, the couple moved to Columbia City.  Duane died earlier this year on March 15, 2023.

In addition to being a homemaker raising the couple's three daughters, Rita worked for Farmers Home Administration in Albion from 1970 until 1994.

An accomplished artist, she enjoyed painting nature scenes with oils.  In her younger years, she was a member of the Home Extension Club and a member of the St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Albion.  She liked to read and share companionship with her beloved cats.  Family was always a priority, spending time with the grandkids and great grandkids.

Surviving are her daughters, Terri Cripe of North Liberty, Susan Beaman and Jean Heller, both of Columbia City; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and sister, Marlene (Eldon) Skelly of Hamilton.

Additionally, she was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Roger Beaman.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday (December 16th) at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.  Visitation is from 1 p.m. until the service at the funeral.  Rita will be laid to rest beside her husband at the Fairfield Cemetery near Corunna at a later date.

Memorials in Rita's honor are to the Eckhart Library in Auburn.