Rita Mae Borton, 70, of Stryker, OH, formerly of Fayette, died early Sunday morning, September 2, 2012, at the Community Health Professionals Inpatient Hospice in Defiance, OH, following a brief battle with cancer. She was born November 10, 1941, in Oak Hill, WV, to the Late Willard and Dorothy (Bayes) Lavinder. Rita married James F. Borton at St. James Lutheran Church in Burlington, OH, and he survives.

Rita moved with her family to Fayette in her early youth, and graduated from Gorham-Fayette High School Class of 1959. She earned a license as a Beautician, and also worked at Fairlawn Nursing Home and opened her home as a babysitter for several years. She most recently retired from Sauder’s Manufacturing in Stryker. Rita collected rabbits, and enjoyed crocheting and reading. Her family, especially her grandchildren, was her greatest joy in life. Rita was a member of the Fayette Firebells and St. James Lutheran Church.

Surviving Rita, in addition to her husband, Jim, are two sons, Michael Borton of Morenci, MI, and Eric Borton of Wauseon, OH; three daughters, Gale Borton of Wauseon, Christy (Jeff) Keller of Statesville, NC, and Renae (Bill) Stoiber of Ledyard, CT; a sister, Kathy Borton of Wauseon; eleven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister in stillbirth; and two brothers, Pete (Patricia) Lavinder, and Jerry Lavinder.

Per Rita’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service for Rita Borton was held on Thursday, September 6, 2012, at 1:00 p.m. at St. James Lutheran Church in Burlington with Pastor James Strawn officiating. Interment followed in St. James Lutheran Cemetery. The family received friends for a memorial visitation on Wednesday evening, from 4-8 p.m. at the Eagle Funeral Home-Barrett Chapel in Fayette.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorial donations in honor of Rita to the American Cancer Society or the Community Health Professionals Hospice. www.eaglefuneralhomes.com