Rita Elaine Schooley

Rita E (Rinehart) Schooley, 84 years old, of Gahanna, Ohio, passed away on May 13th, 2026 after a long and courageous battle with ovarian cancer, surrounded by family at home.

Rita was born on April 17, 1942 in Columbus, Ohio. She was a loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Gigi. She attended and graduated from Our Lady of Victory High School in 1960. She worked for Dr. Basil V. Bisca for 25 years and later went on to work at Farmers Insurance and Talx, from which she retired. Rita was married to Donald for 59 years, until his death in 2021. They raised and loved two daughters and later seven granddaughters and several great grandchildren.

Rita is survived by daughters: Dawn (Brian) Friebis and Tina (Lisa) Asbury. Grandchildren: Mallory (Lucas) Murphy, Erinn (Blain) Gatterdam, Taylor (Jair) Sholar Johnson, Alex (Nate) Harms, Sarah (Dominick) Smith, Sydney Little and Abigail Friebis. Great Grandchildren: Fiona, Owen, Parker, Hunter, Ian, Oliver, Theo and Baby Iris. She is also survived by: Sister Judy Dorsey, Brothers in Law Phil Baker and Ronald (Sally) Schooley. Sisters in Law: Betty Rinehart and Paula (Bruce) Bowman as well as Cousin John (Cuba) Rinehart. Many special nieces and nephews as well as friends.

Preceded in death by husband Donald of 59 years, Granddaughter Fawn Friebis, Parents Marvin and Dolores Rinehart, Brother Bill Rinehart, Sister Nancy Baker as well as Brothers in law Kenny Schooley and Robert Dorsey.

Special thanks to Eucharistic Ministers from St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic Church in Gahanna and the Wesley Hospice Team, namely Tiffany, Elaine and Yolanda.

Visitation will be held at the NEWCOMER SOUTHWEST CHAPEL 3393 Broadway, Grove City, Ohio 43123 onTuesday, May 19, 2026 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Cemetery Chapel 6440 S. High Street, Lockbourne, OH 43136 on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 11:00am.