Our amazing mother, Rita “Tootie” Arlene Holland, 70, passed away on March 23 at 8:30 a.m., after a courageous battle with COPD, surrounded by her loving family at her residence.
Rita was a very special mother and grandmother. Rita is survived by her three children, whom all were very close to her. Those include: a son, Doug (Robin) LaRue of Alger; and two daughters: Michelle Harp of Alger and Samantha (Tom) Sherman of Maplewood. Rita had nine amazing grandchildren. They include Heith (Alana) Harp, Natisha (David) Jones, Shelby (Jake) Nelson, Steven (Calthy) LaRue, Tiffany Ferguson, Ashley (Isaac) Ferguson, Somer Sherman, and Gage Sherman. Rita also had thirteen great-grandchildren whom she loved dearly. Rita is also survived by three siblings: a brother, Mike (Sharon) Shirkey of Bluffton; and two sisters: Marilyn Lewis of Spencerville, and Carolyn Guagenti of Lima. Rita is also survived by many loving family members as well as a “special” sister, Vickie Castle of Foraker. Rita also is survived by her ex-husband, Gary (Kim) LaRue of Foraker.
Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Jake Holland. Rita was also preceded in death by her father and mother, Lowell and Dorothy Jane Shirkey; father and mother-in-law, Edward Lee Holland, and Christine Sroufe-Owais; a brother-in-law, Donnie Guagenti; as well as a special father and mother-in-law, Ruth and Walt LaRue; and a grandson, Trenton Sherman.
Rita was small but mighty! She was an avid Ohio State Buckeye Football Fan. The family always got together for OSU games and had many special family outings together. Rita worked for over twenty-five years at Hardin Memorial Hospital in Central Supply. Rita also worked at Ada Technologies and Siemen’s. Rita had many great friends at the Shadley Street Apartments in Alger. Rita also enjoyed her casino trips!
Funeral services will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 28, 2022, at Hanson-Neely-Allison Funeral & Cremation Services, Alger with Pastor Jedidiah Brake officiating. Burial will be in Preston Cemetery, Alger. The family request that those attending the service to please feel free to wear your OSU attire!
Visitation will be from 2:00-6:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at Hanson-Neely-Allison Funeral & Cremation Services, Alger and one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Monday.
Rita was a huge supporter of the USV Alger EMS and therefore request all memorial donations be made to the USV Alger EMS, P.O. Box 261, Alger, Ohio 45812.
The family would like to give a special “Thanks” to Jennifer Shepherd for her dedication and compassion as a Hospice nurse for our mom.
