Rita Ethel (Crumrine) Layne, 98, of Defiance, Ohio, passed away on Monday, August 24, 2026, at Glenn Park Senior Living Community in Defiance.

She was born on July 14, 1928, to Ligouri and Laura Crumrine in Shelby County. On May 26, 1953, she married Robert Layne in New Bavaria, Ohio.

Rita was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Defiance. In her early years, she was employed by Zeller Corporation and the Defiance Crescent News, and she also held various service industry positions. Most of her life was devoted to being a caring wife, mother, and grandmother to her large family. Quiet and unassuming by nature, her devotion to her faith and family set an example that will be admired and cherished by her surviving family members and friends.

Rita will be greatly missed by her sons, Tom (Linda) Layne of Defiance, Roger (Dawn) Layne of Oklahoma, Steve (Erin) Layne of Defiance, and David Layne of Napoleon; and her daughter, Sandy (Ken) McGill of Westerville, Ohio; 18 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Layne; her parents, Ligouri and Laura Crumrine; her son, Doug Layne; her granddaughter, Alicia Layne, three brothers and two sisters.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Schaffer Funeral Home South, Lawson-Roessner Chapel (1753 S. Clinton Street) in Defiance. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026, at St. John Catholic Church, with Father Kevin McGraw officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Defiance.

Memorials are suggested to a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com