Obituary of Rita A. Johannes

Rita A. Johannes, age 73 of Ransomville died Monday May 13, 2013 at her residence in Ransomville under the loving care of her family and Niagara Hospice. Rita was born November 4, 1939 in Niagara Falls, NY, the daughter of the late Floyd and Martha (Greaser) Garlitz. She was a 1957 graduate of Niagara Falls High School and married Donald W. Johannes on October 26, 1957. Rita and Donald had lived in Ransomville since their marriage. Donald predeceased her on May 24, 2000. For 25 years Rita was employed as a Hardware Clerk, first at Stevenson Hardware in Ransomville and then at Scheffler Hardware in Wilson, NY, retiring in 2001. Rita was a member of the Ransomville Volunteer Fire Co. Ladies Auxiliary since 1958 and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Little Valley Post #353. She enjoyed traveling and had toured all 50 states. She also enjoyed playing cards and going to the Seneca Niagara Casino to play the slots. Most of all, Rita loved creating memories with her family. She is survived by her children, Michael (Tina) Johannes and Judy (Richard "Rick") O'Hare both of Ransomville, Susan (John) Beyer of Tonawanda, NY, and Jacquelyn "Jackie" (William) Leggett of Ransomville; her sisters, Mary (Bill) Syruws of Bergholz, NY, Barbara Crow of Niagara Falls, NY, and Joan (Bob) Syrews of West Virginia; nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She was predeceased by two sisters, Pat Syrews and Betty Gates; and a brother, Bill (Cindy) Garlitz. Friends may call at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, 3648 Ransomville Road, Ransomville on Wednesday from 3 - 8 pm. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, May 16, at 10:00 AM in the funeral home, with the Rev. Ronald Haefner, and the Rev. Joseph Badding officiating. Burial will follow in the Oakland Rural Cemetery, Youngstown. Memorials may be made to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Dr., Lockport, NY 14094, or to the Ransomville Vol. Fire Co. Ambulance Fund, PO Box 239, Ransomville, NY 14131.