Rita Bellinger

Rita Lynn Bellinger, age 65, of Columbia City, IN, passed at 10:30 am on Saturday May 5, 2018 at her residence. Born on November 11, 1952 in Fort Wayne, IN, she was the daughter of Thomas J. Sr. and Darlene May (Steinbacher) Hyser.

Rita was a lifetime Whitley County resident, attended local schools, and graduated from Churubusco High School with the Class of 1971. On June 24, 1972 Rita married Michael Shawne Bellinger at St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Churubusco. Rita worked in the meat and deli departments at Scott's and then Kroger for well over 30 years. She loved cooking and gardening in her free time, was an avid Chicago Cubs and Indianapolis Colts fan, and was also a member of American Legion Post 98 Auxiliary.

Survivors include her loving husband of 45 years Michael Bellinger of Columbia City; sons Robert (Jennifer) Bellinger II and Michael (Theresa) Bellinger Jr., both of Fort Wayne; grandchildren Ryan, Joshua, Rayanna, and Zachary Bellinger; siblings Renee Imbody of Fort Wayne, Tammey (Dan) Parker of Hudson, Barbara (Bryan) Bianski of Churubusco, Kelly (David) Jost of Columbia City, Annette (Jeff) Krider of Columbia City, and Tom Hyser Jr. of Warren; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister Linda Copeland.

Friends may call on Wednesday May 9, 2018 from 4:00-8:00 pm at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN. Funeral services for Rita will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday May 10, 2018 at the funeral home, with calling one hour prior. Burial will follow in Leo Memorial Cemetery, Leo, IN. Memorial contributions in memory of Rita may be made to Parkview Home Health and Hospice. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send the family a condolence.