RITA MAE GUMTO (nee Schade), born June 30, 1929, passed away May 15, 2026. Rita lived her whole life in the Cleveland area; she was not a traveler. Home was her happy place. You can tell that by the love and care she put into all her homes.

Rita had the good fortune to be married for 55 years to a loving, gentle and kind husband, Clyde James. They were blessed with three beautiful children, Denny Gumto (Roseann), Sandy Thomas and Debbie Kelley (deceased); seven grandchildren, Melissa Conrad, Jamie Wade (deceased), Kyle Gumto (Rachel), Rheanna Csikos (Mark), Brittany Balusik (Nate), Justin Kelley (Heather) and Matt Kelley (Summer); 12 great-grandchildren, Cody Adkins, Hannah Spicer, Austin, Aiden (deceased) and Hailey Wade, Brooklyn, Noah and Charolette Balusik, Harrison and Bennett Gumto, Carver and Baylor Csikos and two great-great grandchildren, Natalie and Nicolas West.

She survived her last 10 months (I can’t say lived because she always said “this isn’t living!”), at the Avenue of Brooklyn Care facility. We can’t thank them enough for their care, compassion and comfort day and night for Rita but also for her family too. Her last days of care were provided through the meticulous observation from Heartland Hospice, and also, The Avenue of Brooklyn, all who shared a deep regard for our feelings and comfort.

She will reside at Hope Memorial Gardens next to Clyde, two spots over from Debbie, and will have her mom, Emma, three rows directly above her.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to where Clyde and Rita have given for 60 years, the Disabled American Veterans. Mail to DAV, P.O. Box 14301 Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 or online at www.help.dav.org. We will all see you again.

Services at the funeral home Monday, May 18, 2026 at 11 a.m. Interment Hope Memorial Gardens. Family and friends received at THE RIPEPI FUNERAL HOME, 5762 PEARL RD. (AT SNOW RD.), SUNDAY 3-7 P.M.