Rita (Maddy) Hewitt

Rita Hewitt (Maddy), born September 28, 1932 in West Portsmouth, Ohio, entered Heaven’s gates on November 24, 2017, joining many loved ones who have gone before her. She is preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Maddy and sisters, Audrey Maddy, Ruby Maddy, LeMonne (Leland) Stamper, Pearle (Bill) West, and Wanda (Stan) Peach. She is also preceded in death by her first husband and father of her three children, second husband, Norman Balser, and third husband, Clayton Hewitt and by her granddaughter, Amber (Chris) Dillon. Rita is survived by sons, Randy (Jill) Smith and Craig (Karen) Smith, as well as her daughter, Sheila (Robert) Klein, and her sister, Monta Daulton. Rita will be dearly missed by her entire family, including not only her children but her grandchildren; Justin and Erin Smith, Courtney Klein Roffino, Ashley Klein Messick, along with wonderful cousins, many step-children, great-grandchildren, and her beloved sister-in-law, Darlene Balser, who was not only family but a dear friend as well. Rita’s strong faith and relationship with God was a consistent element in her life. It is that faith that gives her family comfort now during this difficult time. Rita was renowned for her gifted artistic abilities including not only writing and poetry, but painting and drawing as well. Any pencil or pen became a magician’s wand, bringing stories to life from the depths of her imagination. Rita’s name has graced hundreds of bylines in newspapers around Ohio since she was a young girl, and her name also lives on in the books and stories she had published. Covered bridges always captivated Rita, and it was not uncommon for her to spend a lazy Sunday driving around Southern Ohio seeking them. Anyone who had a chance to know Rita knew not only a wonderful storyteller, but a warm and caring soul. A celebration of her full life will be held at 10 a.m Thursday, November 30th, 2017 at the Chapel of Mother Angeline, 5199 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43213. In lieu of any flowers, the family requests donations be made in Rita's name to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at jdrf.org.