Rita Mae (Bodette) Faulkner, age 81, of Toledo, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2007, in St. Anne's Hospital under the care of Hospice of Northwest Ohio. She was born on December 20, 1925, in Toledo to Alicia (Pierce) and Edward Bodette. She was a 1943 Central Catholic High School graduate.

Rita was very proud of her service during World War II as a supply depot worker. In her early twenties, she worked as a bookkeeper at Woodlawn Cemetery. After marrying, she dedicated her life to raising her six children until school age. Then, she worked part time at Erie Drugs.

Rita was an avid reader, enjoyed travel, was an excellent seamstress and crafter. She loved word games and contests and was delighted when she won a $1000 in the "Occupation, Please" contest sponsored by the Toledo Blade. Rita was active at the Sylvania Senior Center and volunteered her time for many organizations until unable to drive. She remained a dedicated member of the "OBC" (ladies group) until 2006.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Alicia and Edward J. Bodette Sr.; brothers, Eugene and Joseph Bodette; by her first husband, Dean Deitler and then by her second husband of 40 years, Allen Thomas Faulkner. She is survived by her 6 children, John (Laurie), James (Kathy), Gerald (Kathy), Jeffrey (Mary Frances), Mary (James Armstead) Faulkner and Linda Nelson; 18 grandchildren and 10 great- grandchildren; siblings, Edward, Richard, and Robert (Loretta) Bodette, and Alice (Don) Calabrese.

The memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 17th in St. Clement's Church at 3030 Tremainsville Road at noon. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Hospice.

Published by The Blade from Feb. 14 to Feb. 16, 2007.