Rita Wright

DEERFIELD -  Rita Marie Wright, 56, died peacefully at home Wednesday surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with brain cancer.

Rita was born Dec. 14, 1962, in Ravenna, the daughter of Donald Hillegas and June (Cain) Lightel.

She was a graduate of Rootstown High School and worked as a waitress for 35 years until retiring in 2010.

Rita enjoyed playing cards and bocce. In her spare time, she also enjoyed farming, gardening, and quilting. Above all, Rita loved to host and cook for family and friends whom she welcomed in her home.

She was a member of the American Legion No. 737 in Lake Milton.

Rita is survived by her husband, Montgomery Wright, whom she married July 10, 2004; her mother, June Lightel of West Middlesex; two daughters, April (Michael) Marsh of Newton Falls and Audrey Robinson of Girard; son  Joseph Kaster Jr. of Newton Falls; one sister; four brothers; and four grandchildren, David, Rayna, Mason, and Chloe.

Family and friends may call on Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, North Jackson Chapel.

The family has requested that material tributes take the form of donations to St. Jude Children Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105.

Visit www.higgins-reardon.com to send condolences to the family.