September 6, 1926 – July 3, 2018
Rita Marliss Waitt, 91, Noblesville, formerly of Sheridan, passed away surrounded by her family on Tuesday evening, July 3, 2018 at Riverview Health in Noblesville. Born September 6, 1926 in Berlin, Germany, she was the daughter of the late Frederich H. and Frieda Lina (Harenburg) Piper.
She spent her high school years in Germany and would remain in the country until World War II. It was during the war that Rita met and fell in love with a young Unites States soldier named Ralph Waitt. When Ralph’s tour of duty had ended, he returned back to the States to save up enough money to send for Rita. Ralph eventually saved up enough money to purchase a round trip ticket for Rita to come to the United States. During those years it was customary for the government to mandate the purchasing of round trip tickets in these cases. It acted as a crude but helpful safety net in case young ladies in Rita’s situation did not like living in America and wanted to return home. In Rita and Ralph’s case however, love won out. Rita and Ralph were married on March 13, 1948. She was active the German Club, helping other immigrants meet and socialize. She was also a member of the Lutheran Faith, being baptized in the church while still living in Germany.
Rita was a very quiet and unassuming person, never raising her voice in anger. She loved to sew and watch old movies. She had a very competitive spirit, especially when it came to playing BINGO. She also enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, or any kind of puzzles for that matter.
Rita worked for many years as a machinist for Biddle Manufacturing in Sheridan and would eventually retire from the company.
Rita loved her family very much. She is survived by her son, Ronald Waitt (Candi), Noblesville; two daughters, Mira Barrick (Steve), Sheridan, and Marcia Waitt-Gascho, Noblesville; five grandchildren, Angie Brockett (Andy), Christy Todd (Jamie), Heather Gunn (Mike), Stacy McGraw (Mathew) and Ryan Barrick (Kristen); nine great grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Colin, Brooklyn, Ava, Drew, Olyvia, Mallory, Henry and Maren; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Ralph Waitt, on July 23, 1977; her second husband, Albert Buzan; and by her infant son.
Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 7, 2018 at Crown View Cemetery in Sheridan. Pastor Jim Dillinger will be officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 7, 2018 at Kercheval Funeral Home, 306 E. 10th St., Sheridan. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be presented to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Arrangements
Calling: 9:30 to 10 a.m., July 7
Location: Kercheval Funeral Home
Service: 11 a.m., July 7
Location: Crown View Cemetery
Condolences: KerchevalFuneralHome.com