Rita A. Winebrenner

She was the mother of Joanne Escarcega of Union City.
Rita was a lifelong resident of Barberton, Ohio. She was born on June 2, 1924, to George and Mary (Tressel) Shields. She attended St. Augustine Elementary School and graduated from Barberton High School in 1943. She married her childhood sweetheart and paperboy, Bob, in 1946. They, and their six children, were members of St. Andrew Catholic Church for many years. She retired from O’Neils Department Store in Ohio.  
Rita enjoyed her family, traveling, shopping and playing Bridge with friends. She had us re-read to her every “Love Letter” Dad wrote to her during World War II, and he cherished and saved each letter she wrote to him.  
Rita was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Robert C. Winebrenner (2011); her parents; her step-father, Fred Haas; her grandchildren, Rebecca Parsons, Sarah Ali Escarcega and APD Officer Justin R. Winebrenner; her daughter-in-law, Lori Winebrenner; her brother, Thomas Shields; and her sisters, Evelyn Lewis and Betreva Seifert.
She will be missed by her six children, Joanne Escarcega (Rogelio, deceased), Janet (Charles) Parsons, Elaine (Michael) Visich, Robert C. Winebrenner Jr. (Crystal Cianciola), Carol (Benny) Griffith and Mark (Beth) Winebrenner; by her 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, Rogelio (Smita) Escarcega and son, Brenner; Michele (Stephen) Little and son, Slater; Benjamin (Tadi) Escarcega and sons, Santiago and Isaac; Shelly (Brian) Shaeffer and daughters, Macy and Halle; Sarah (Christopher) Trausch and children, Henry, Thomas and Hazel; C. Stevenson (Allison) and children, Carter, Benjamin and Elliett Ann; Brian Parsons and son, Charlie; APD Officer Justin R. Winebrenner (deceased) and daughter, Charlee Ayn; Kelly (Tim) Campbell and sons, Colin and Liam; Adrienne (Oliver) Byers and daughter, Winnie; and Andrew and Andrea Winebrenner; her sister, Lillian Dawson; her in-laws, Bill (Donna) Winebrenner and Rosemary (Chuck, deceased) McCue; and by her many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Per her wishes, no calling hours will be held. Mass of Christian burial will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Prince of Peace Church, 1263 Shannon Ave., Barberton/Norton, Ohio 44203, followed by interment at Holy Cross Cemetery in Akron, Ohio.  
Rita’s family will receive friends one hour before Mass at the church.
Donations may be made to Magic City Kiwanis, Esther Ryan Shoe Fund, Box 561, Barberton.