Rita Jean Ward, age 81, of Medina, Ohio, passed away on July 22, 2024. She was born to the late Earl J. and Ruby M. (Huffman) Nichols on May 26, 1943, in Medina, Ohio. Rita was a Nursing Aide at local nursing homes. She enjoyed gardening and loved cooking for her family, who were her life.

Rita is survived by her children, Keith Ward (Pam), Regina May (Scott), Kenneth Ward, and Kevin Ward (Robin); her grandchildren, April Perez, Matthew Paxton, Chelsea Savich (Christopher), Nathan May, Steven Ward, Bethany Hogan, and Kevin Ward; and her 11 great grandchildren. She was preceded by her sister, Phyllis Eaken and her infant brother, Curtis Nichols.

Memorial service will be announced at a later date. She will be privately laid to rest with her parents in Spring Grove Cemetery in Medina, Ohio.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.waitefuneralhome.com.