Memorials

Rita J. McElroy, 65, of Columbia City, passed away at 11:50 a.m. Friday, August 7, 2009, at The Oaks in Columbia City.

Born on December 14, 1943, in McRoberts, Kentucky, she was the daughter of Stanley and Mary (Sturgill) Kilgore.

At age 2, she moved with her family to Whitley County from Kentucky. She graduated from Columbia City Joint High School with the Class of 1962. A former employee of the S&L Truck Stop, Columbia City, with 22 years of service, she also worked for Rescare with 7 years of service. 

Survivors include her sons, Jeffrey W. (Denise) Vanderford of Monroeville, Ty P. McElroy of Columbia City and Blake E. (Cynthia) Vanderford of New Haven; daughters, Leah R. (Brent) Gibson and Julie R. (Jason) Friend both of Columbia City; brothers, Bob (Marian) Kilgore of Sun City, Arizona, and Bill (Ann) Kilgore of Fort Wayne; sisters, Una Rondeau of Janesville, Wisconsin, Elizabeth Sponaugle of Columbia City and Emma (James) Spink of Angola; 13 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her twin sisters, Margaret L. Gunther and Mary J. Bowling and sister, Barbara Kilgore. 

Visitation is Tuesday, August 11, 2009 from 4-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home in Columbia City.

Memorial donations may be given in memory of Ms. McElroy to the family. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.