Rita Marie Hamrick, 85, passed away peacefully in her home during the early morning hours of November 5, 2026 following a period of declining health

Rita was born on January 18, 1941, in New Philadelphia, Ohio, to Viola Fragasse DiGenova and Joseph DiGenova. She was a proud 1958 graduate of St. Joseph's High School and volunteered for many years helping to organize class reunions.

A lifelong member of Sacred Heart Parish, Rita volunteered in many capacities, including the choir, Altar Society, and Rosary Club. Most recently, she used her talents to knit prayer shawls for those who were sick or in need of comfort. She was working on a new shawl the evening before her passing.

Rita was a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts and proudly served on the regional council for many years. She enjoyed both learning and teaching, sharing her knowledge with generations of girls. Whether making bird feeders, weaving custom macramé projects, building campfires, or preparing homemade granola, she found joy in helping others discover new skills and confidence.

Her love of teaching led her to return to college in her forties, where she earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees in education from Kent State University. Determined to achieve her goals, she even spent a semester living in the dorms on the university's main campus. She remained active in the College Club and the Retired Teachers Association, attending meetings regularly until her health declined.

Rita dedicated more than twenty years to the Tuscarawas Valley School District. She began her career as a part-time reading tutor while working toward her degree and concluded her professional career as a reading specialist. Teaching was never simply a job to her; it was her life's passion. Following retirement, she continued her service to the community as a frequent volunteer at local libraries.

On July 9, Rita and her beloved husband, Terry, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. She was a devoted wife who loved teasing her husband, and he was always a good sport about it.

Rita was the loving mother of Anita Edwards, who preceded her in death in 2024, and Lori Hamrick Bean (Shane) of Las Vegas, Nevada. She was an immensely proud grandmother to Alex and Allison Bean.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Terry Hamrick; her daughter, Lori Hamrick Bean (Shane); her grandchildren, Alex and Allison Bean; her sister, Jean Moreland of New Philadelphia, Ohio; her brother-in-law, Andrew Duda of West Lafayette, Ohio; and her sisters-in-law, Vonie DiGenova of Delaware, Ohio, and Mary Hamrick of Algonquin, Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Anita Edwards; her sister, Su Ann Duda; her brother, Joseph DiGenova; and her brothers-in-law, Gary Hamrick, Lawrence Hamrick, Doy Hamrick, and Mendel Hamrick.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow, with a reception immediately afterward at Geib Funeral Home, 116 2nd Street NE, New Philadelphia, OH.

Rita's life was marked by faith, service, education, and devotion to family. Through her teaching, volunteer work, and countless acts of kindness, she touched the lives of many and leaves behind a lasting legacy of compassion, generosity, and love. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, you consider a donation to the Girl Scouts of North East Ohio; Attention: Fund Development; One Girl Scout Way; Macedonia, OH 44056 or online www.gsneo.org