Rita K. Ballentine

Rita K. Ballentine, 71, of Massillon, passed away on September 30, 2023 at Cleveland Clinic, following a brief illness.

She was born on January 31, 1952 to the late Louis and Juanita (Turner) Bryson of Canton, OH.

Rita was a graduate of Washington High School and worked for Nickels Bakery. She was the families rock, after the death of her mother, she helped raise and nurish her, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. Rita was an outgoing person, she liked to dance, listen to music, go to concerts, and sporting events. She also loved to garden and feed the birds. She loved to shop and get all dressed up to look her best.

Rita is survived by her loving , nephews and nieces, Jerome Bryson, Candice (Scott) Sharpe, Antionette Bryson, Gary McPherson,and Greg McPherson.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Tom Ballentine; and siblings, Arthur Michael Bryson, Addie Young, and Glenda Walker.

Friends and family will gather on Sunday, October 15, 2023, 12:30pm -1:30 pm at Paquelet & Arnold-Lynch Funeral Home, Massillon, Ohio, with a Celebration of Rita's Life to follow at 1:30pm, Fr. Edward Gretchko officiating.

Memorials are suggested to The Massillon Museum.

Share a memory of Rita at www.paquelet.com