Rita Ann Davidek

Rita Ann Davidek July 19, 1932 - August 26, 2026

Rita was born July 19, 1932 to her parents, Francis and Rosalia Burket in Tarentum Pa. She was the baby of her 5 siblings, Francis, Richard, Jean, Robert, all previously deceased. Rita had a difficult beginning of life when she lost her Mother at age 6 months from pneumonia and then her Father at 6 yrs of age during the Great Depression years. She attended Vincentian Academy, an all-girls Catholic boarding school and graduated as valedictorian. Rita went on to attend Western Maryland College (now named Davidson College) until she married her husband William (Bill) Davidek on Sept 6, 1954. She started her journey as a military wife and moved to Sedalia, Missouri. Rita loved and supported her husband for over 57 years until his death in Oct 2011. They built their family and traveled around the country, even reaching Puerto Rico. Rita and Bill settled in Columbus at the end of Bill’s military career and they worked together to build a very wonderful life.

Rita was very active in many causes over her lifetime. She was very patriotic and a big Steeler fan! She loved a good debate about virtually any subject. Her wealth of knowledge was impressive and yet she was non-judgemental and respectful of other’s opinions. She absolutely relished a good banter of intelligent conversation.

Rita had many hobbies, but her favorites were cooking, reading, watching Jeopardy (she always won) and playing the lottery, which she also won frequently!! She loved spending time with her grandkids and seeing her greats be born and grow. It would bring such a smile to her face whenever they came to visit. She loved her family most of all and instilled an admirable sense of loyalty. Her greatest companions were her puppies, Mingo, Koko,Mimi,Kira,Shadow, Moka. She loved them very much.

Rita was one of the smartest and strongest women many ever knew. Although life was sometimes very challenging and far from perfect, Rita’s resilience went on forever. She was smart, witty, had a great sense of humor, and was sometimes very stubborn. She was able to live with a fierceness that many admired. We hope all remember her as the wonderfully special person that she was to us and to you.

Rita is survived by her children William Michael (Mike) Davidek, (Lisa), Thomas J. Davidek, Karla J LaBorde(Doug). Grandchildren: Erika Dorsett (Brett), Kristin Brobst (Russ), Taylor, Mitchel Brand, Joel Davidek, Laura Rillero (Bill), Jenna Dascenzo (Matt), Jonathan LaBorde (Bailey) Great grandchildren, Brendon, Makenna, Carson, Bryer, Garrett, Tino, Pierce and baby girl on the way.

Rita enjoyed her family, extended family, friends and neighbors.

You ALL were her world and her legacy.

The family would like to send a special thank you to all of the staff and friends at Our Home New Albany. You all gave her the most wonderful care, love and respect during her 2 final years, even to her last breath. We are so grateful for the kindness and love you gave to her.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to an animal shelter in her name, give to a military/law enforcement family or buy a lottery ticket for someone you love or a stranger.

The family invites you to join them for a Celebration of Life on Monday, September 7th, 2026, from 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm at Our Home New Albany-5055 Thompson Road. A private burial will be held on Tuesday, September 8th, 2026, at Holy Cross Cemetery.