Rita G. Berry Rita G. Berry, 87, of Defiance, passed away at 7:28 P.M. Monday, January 5th, 2009 at St. Vincent Medical Center, Toledo. Born in Henry County, Ohio on January 5, 1922, she was the daughter of the late Conrad and Della (Baker) Fender. She married Dirl L. (Buss) Berry Oct. 15, 1949 and he survives. Rita was a graduate of Defiance High School, received a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Bowling Green University, received a diploma as a registered nurse from St. Vincent's School of Nursing. She worked as a nurse at Defiance Hospital and taught school in Tecumseh, Mich. A member of St. Mary's Catholic church, the Altar and Rosary Society, helped with the St. Mary's Food Pantry, taught CCD and served on numerous committees at St. Mary's. Rita was a member of the Kettenring Country Club, an American Red Cross volunteer and received a chapter special award in 1993, and a meals on wheels volunteer. She enjoyed bowling and playing golf. Besides her beloved husband surviving are two daughters: Christine (Charles) Kraft of Dayton and Barbara Berry of Columbus, Oh., Three sons: Michael and John Berry of Defiance and Dr. James (Connie) Berry OD of Mount Dora,Florida. She is also survived by 5 grandchildren: Charles Kraft, Amy Kraft Beauchamp, Arron Berry, Melanie Fay Berry and Alex Berry. Preceded in death by a sister Mary Alice Walz , two brothers: Walter Fender and Eugene Fender. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary Catholic Church at 12:00 on Saturday, January 10th, with Father Tim Kummerer officiating. Friends are invited to call Friday 2-8 and Saturday 10 till time of services at Lawson-Roessner Funeral Home where there will be a 8:00 P:M Rosary Service on Friday. Interment will be in Riverview Memory Gardens. Suggested Memorials are to St. Mary's Catholic church or the Donor's Choice . Friends may leave condolences and memories at lawsonroessner.com