Groff Funeral Homes
1607 East Perkins Avenue
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-626-3632
Fax: 419-626-2445
Email: info@grofffuneralhomes.com
Website: http://www.grofffuneralhomes.com
View All Obituaries from Groff Funeral Homes
Rita M. (Missig) Morton, 93, residing in Sandusky, passed away Thursday morning, March 7, 2019 at Firelands Regional Medical Center after a brief illness.
Rita was born on January 9, 1926 in Sandusky, OH to the late Leo and Suzie (McHugh) Missig.
Rita is survived by her children, Linda (John) Kramer, Diana (John) Oney, George Morton III, Lee Morton, David (Sharon) Morton and Sue (Don) Meier; grandchildren, Scott, Todd (Alex), Jessica (Doug), Andrew (Katie), Alex, Dustin, Sarah, Jason and Brianna; great-grandchildren, Lyla, Charlotte, Penelope, Dalton, Colin and Thomas and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
In addition to her parents, Rita is preceded in death by her husband, George Morton Jr. and siblings, Virginia Schmidt, Leo, Richard and Robert Missig.
Rita lived an extraordinary, ordinary life. She grew up in the middle of the depression, the youngest of 5 siblings. She attended St. Mary's Catholic School from first grade through High School, graduating in the middle of World War II. She once said that the school did not have any dances when she was a senior, because all of the boys had gone off to fight in the war.
After she graduated from High School she attended Notre Dame College in Cleveland, majoring in music. She played piano beautifully. After two years of college she quit to join the war effort by taking a position left vacant by the war, and spent her time working in her father's business, City Ice Company. It was during her time working there that she met her future husband. After settling down in Sandusky she raised 6 children, and through the crazy 60's and 70's she was always a steady port in the storm for her family.
After her children were older she went back to work. First as a teacher at Head Start in Sandusky, then as the finance director of the Erie County Community Action Agency (Erie County CAC). She would remain there for over 30 years and made many close friends, many who became a part of her extended family. She loved her job and worked there until her early 70's. While in this position, she met State of Ohio Governors, House and Senate members, and lobbied for legislation for stronger communities. Up until her death, she would continue to receive cards and phone calls from people she used to work with, that is the kind of effect she had on people. She was so supportive and kind, and treated everyone with kindness and respect.
She was a talented seamstress, and would copy fashions out of the Sunday Register for her daughters, who went to many school dances in original masterpieces that rivaled any famous designer.
After she retired, she spent her time working in her yard, tending her house plants, traveling with her ladies, lunching with the red-hat society, doing water-aerobics and read constantly. She enjoyed sitting on her back porch watching the many birds at her feeders. She loved canning, making jelly, whimsy, discussing politics, and most of all, she loved her family.
Life threw her many adventures but like so many of the Greatest Generation, she persisted.
She was the sun, we were her planets. Momma, it was good to know you, we'll be seeing you.
Friends may call on Monday, April 22, 2019 from 9:00 am until the time of the Memorial Mass at 10:00 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 429 Central Ave., Sandusky. There will be a luncheon at the church. Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.
Those wishing to contribute to Rita's memory may do so to St. Mary's Catholic Church, 429 Central Ave., Sandusky, OH 44870.
Condolences may be shared online at www.grofffuneralhomes.com.
