Rita Marie "Putsy" Eby, age 81, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 26, 2024. She demonstrated immense resiliency having battled cancer and dementia for decades. Rita passed peacefully surrounded by family and friends while saying the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary at the IHM Senior Living Community.
Born June 17, 1942 in Monroe, Rita was the daughter of the late Mario and Marie (Fix) Germani. Rita was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Monroe and attended St. Joseph Grade School. She was a 1960 graduate of St. Mary Academy, attended Monroe County Community College, and was a graduate of The Toledo School of Practical Nursing where she received her certificate as an LPN and was president of her class.
On February 14th, 1962, Rita married Carl J. Eby, Jr. at Saint Joseph's Church in Monroe. More than 500 people attended their wedding reception at the Detroit Beach Clubhouse. After they divorced, they remained friends and had a special deep love for one another. They tried to keep the family together the best they could. They still celebrated holidays together and trips with the family and had many laughs! They always accented what each other was saying in a comical way! It was never a strain. They had forgiveness Carl preceded her in death on October 18, 2012.
Rita's occupations varied, as an X-Ray Tech at Mercy Memorial Hospital in Monroe, manicurist working at both Samuel's and Hairworks, served as a floor nurse at the IHM Mother House. In addition to her work outside the home, Rita was a devoted homemaker and cook. Anyone who tasted her spaghetti sauce that would cook for an entire day, never forgot it.
Rita is known for her exuberance, kind heart, fun loving personality, love of life and family. She embodied the spirit of happiness everywhere she went. She had an appreciation of love and beauty, especially the natural beauty of flowers, sunsets, thunderstorms, seasons, lakes and mountains. She was full of life and celebrated life daily with her appearance of flamboyant attire and meticulous appearance, including her infamous hat collection and bright lipstick. Her mission was to bring joy and laughter to the lives of everyone she touched.
Relationships with family and friends were of utmost importance to Rita. She loved her children, their friends, and always had an open-door policy to everyone; there were no strangers. She celebrated the everyday events of life passionately. She enjoyed hosting parties, always searching for an occasion to bring friends and family together. Every holiday, especially Christmas, was celebrated and embellished to the maximum. Family and friends were everything to her, but she also included the less fortunate in such celebrations. She taught everyone how to laugh and love passionately.
Rita was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Monroe where she sang in the choir and was a Eucharistic Minister. She was a member of the Red Hat Society, the Monroe Garden Club, the Monroe YMCA and was an IHM Associate. As an animal lover, she bred and raised Shih Tsu's. Rita enjoyed playing tennis with her "Whacky Wimble's" group and playing cards in her Card Club. Rita was musically inclined, along with her singing, she played the piano and organ.
Rita is survived by two loving children: Dr. Daniel C. (Linda) Eby, Sr. of Jasper, IN, and Cheryl M. Eby of Monroe, eleven cherished grandchildren: Jacquelyn, Alicia, Alexia, Michaela, Blaise (Paula) Daniel Jr., Claire, Nicholas, Lucas, Micah, Celeste; eight treasured great-grandchildren: Isaiah, Natalya, Autumn, Arabella, Amora, Gianni, Faustina, and Adelaide, great-great granddaughter, Deliah; sisters Mary Lou LaVoy of Temperance, MI and Michelle "Mickey" Germani of Monroe; and daughter-in-law, Maria Eby.
In addition to her parents, Rita was preceded in death by a son Thomas M. Eby (Maria) and two sisters: Rosemary Singleton and Marianne "Annie" Germani.
A visitation will be held on Friday, May 31st from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bacarella Funeral Home where the Rosary will be recited at 6 pm. On Saturday, she will lie in state at St. Mary Catholic Church beginning at 10:30 a.m. followed by Mass of the Resurrection celebrating Rita's life at 11:30 a.m. Rev. Fr. David Burgard will officiate, if anyone would like to wear a hat to honor Rita on her funeral day she would love that! Rita was known as the hat lady. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Monroe.
We would like to extend our appreciation to all family and friends that supported Rita during her challenges with visits, gifts and continual prayers, especially Mickey Germani, Beth DeFigueiredo, Jacquelyn Miller and Alexia Miller, who were always available for anything that was needed. Special gratitude to her compassionate caregivers at the IHM, Dr. Georgidis, Dr. Charboneau and Dr. Mark Snider were Rita's doctors, they built relationships with the family and did far and beyond what's expected, know that each of you touched Rita deeply for which the family is eternally grateful.
Memorial contributions are suggested to SMCC High School, St. Mary Catholic Church, or to IHM Senior Living Community.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .