In loving memory of

Rita Bellinger
November 11, 1952 - May 5, 2018

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.

Tributes

Mike Bellinger jr wrote on May 9, 2018:

"To the greatest mom that ever walked this earth!!! We had a ton of wonderful memories and moments, I couldn't of been any more proud than having a mother like you. You gave me the strength and courage, the knowledge, to make me the man I am today!! I thank you for everything you did mom. You will deeply be missed, but I know you will always be not only with me, but with Dad and my brother. I love you mom!!!!!"

Virginia (ginger) harnish wrote on May 7, 2018:

"So sorry to hear of her passing love hugs and prayers"

Virginia (ginger) harnish wrote on May 7, 2018:

"I am so sorry to hear of her passing all my love thoughts prayers and hugs"

Sandra Mavis wrote on May 5, 2018:

"Mike and families, I am so sorry to read this news. I always enjoyed working with your whole family. No words are fitting. Just know that I send my prayers and sympathy to all of you. Sincerely, Sandy Mavis"

Sarah Bunyan wrote on May 5, 2018:

"Sorry for your loss, Rita was always fun to work with. Sarah Bunyan "

Randy Grimes wrote on May 5, 2018:

"May each of you find courage to face tomorrow as you rest in the knowledge that we truly care about each of your needs and that we will walk beside you in your journey of grief. Randy Grimes, Brett Gerber and the Staff of DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home "