Rita DeCola

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Rita Mary DeCola (née Govert), 95, of Palm Harbor, Florida, formerly of Munster and Wheatfield, Indiana, who passed away July 25, 2025. Born on Mother’s Day, May 11, 1930, in Dyer, Indiana to the late Edward and Magdalena Govert (née Nondorf).

The youngest of 11 children, with two siblings passing in infancy, Rita recently called herself “the Lone Ranger, the Last of The Mohicans”, after the passing of her dear sister, Rose Parks last year.

Rita grew up in Dyer, Indiana, attending St. Joseph Catholic School and was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. She grew up on the family farm during the depression and loved telling stories about her childhood. She was married to Chester DeCola from 1953 until his passing in 1988. Together they built a family rooted in love, core values and a strong work ethic raising their children with the same principles that shaped their lives.

Rita dedicated her life to her faith, family and friends. She was the loving mother of Ronald (Mary) DeCola, Patricia Harr Fox (Bill Harr), James (Lauren) DeCola, and Karen (George Hatzikostantis).

Her grandchildren: Michael and Thomas DeCola; Andrew (Marissa) Fox; James (Megan) Fox; Emily and John DeCola; and Kaley and Jonathon Kostantis, were a constant source of pride and joy. Rita finally became a great grandmother at age 89 and cherished her great-grandchildren: Amelia, Jack, Hunter, Austin, and Charlotte Fox, who brought light and laughter to her later years.

Rita enjoyed a long and dedicated career in banking, working for nearly the same employer her entire professional life and advancing into management until her retirement. Known for her friendliness, integrity, hard work ethic, meticulous money sense, and witty sense of humor, she formed many friendships and loyal customers, telling work-related stories for years. Later in life, Rita, a devout Catholic, spent time volunteering at Sorrowful Mother Catholic Church in Wheatfield, Indiana as a member of “Helping Hands” where she was always ready to sew, participate in Bible Study and crack a good joke with the priest and friends. In addition, Rita found joy in hobbies such as cryptograms, bingo, sewing, birdwatching and gardening.

In 2024, Rita embraced a new chapter of life, moving to Florida to live with her daughters and enjoy the warm weather, spending her final weeks surrounded by the love and care of her family. Her love for family was enduring, and she cherished moments spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Rita is predeceased by her parents; brothers Charles Govert and Lawrence Govert; her sisters, Florence Helmer, Henrietta Van der Heyden, Gertrude Smith, Mary Williams, Cecilia Herrman, and Rose Parks; and her beloved grandson, John Paul DeCola. Rita was blessed with many dear nieces and nephews throughout her large extended family whom she cherished. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and everyone who was blessed to call her family or friend.

A memorial service will be held on October 10, 2025 at 10:00AM, followed by interment of ashes at Sorrowful Mother Catholic Church, 165 South Grace Street, Wheatfield, Indiana, where Rita will be laid to rest. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sorrowful Mother Catholic Church Food Pantry.

Thank you to the family for writing this obituary.