Ann “Rita” Leer, age 92, a lifelong resident of Elwood, passed away on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at Elwood Health and Living following an extended illness.

Rita was born in Elwood on April 2, 1931, to the late Samuel and Julia (Monahan) Cole.

On June 15, 1956, she married James “Hank” Leer and they shared 45 years of marriage together before Hank passed away on May 9, 2001.

Rita was one of 12 children that grew up in Elwood. Growing up, Rita’s family was very active in the St. Joseph Catholic Church; She and Hank continued to be active in the church throughout their time together and Rita was also active in the Ladies of St. Joseph. She enjoyed watching the Indianapolis Pacers and was a big fan of Reggie Miller! Rita was known for her love of animals; she had many dogs throughout her years. Although Rita did not have children of her own, she loved her nieces and nephews and treated them as if they were her own children.

Rita is survived by a great-niece and Goddaughter, Michelle (Scott) Leavell of Elwood, IN; two niece-inlaw, Sharon Harmon and Sue Hollingsworth; a special nephew, Jim (Larry Beard) Scott; and several nieces and nephews.

Along with her parents and husband, Rita was preceded in death by her 8 brothers, Ralph, Robert, Samuel, Chuck, Herman, Glen, John, and Raymond Cole; 3 sisters, Mary Matney, Frances Jones, and Margaret Frazee; and her fur babies, Sandy and Tom.

The visitation will be Saturday, May 6, 2023, from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, at Dunnichay Funeral Home, 1113 S. Anderson Street, Elwood, Indiana.

The funeral service celebrating Rita’s life will follow the visitation at 1:00 pm Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Dunnichay Funeral Home with Fr. Dennis Goth officiating. Burial will follow in the Elwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Church Building Fund.

Online condolences can be given at www. dunnichayfuneralhome.com