Rita Guenther Weekley McDonald

Rita Guenther Weekley McDonald, age 90, of Akron, passed away March 12, 2014.

She was born to the late Douglas and Agnes Guenther, October 13, 1923, in Olean, N.Y. Rita graduated from St. Elizabeth's Academy in Allegany, N.Y., in 1941. She then went to California to work as a welder at El Toro Air Force Base. While there, Rita met John H. Weekley, and they married and settled in Akron. They built a full life with a large circle of close friends. In 1965, they opened Tsali Machine and Welding. After retirement, John and Rita spent many happy years traveling the country in their Bluebird bus before his passing in 2004.

Rita was always busy, whether volunteering at Children's Hospital, serving communion as a founding member of We Care at Nativity of the Lord Jesus Catholic Church, participating in the Milroy PTA, tending her large garden, or working at an endless array of crafts and projects. Her home was open to all, and often a gathering place for friends and family. Through her activities with We Care, Rita met Stanley R. McDonald in 2009. Their friendship grew deeper, and they were married in 2011. As an expression of openness to all of life's possibilities, their relationship was an inspiration to all who knew them. While short in duration, their love for each other was timeless.

Throughout her life Rita touched those around her with a beautiful combination of genuine affection, an open faith in God, joy in the simple pleasures of life, sincere interest in others, and an eagerness to embrace every day. Her dedication to friends and family was unlimited, and her warm smile and ready laugh won the love and trust of so many. Her presence in our lives will be deeply missed.

Rita was preceded in death by sisters, Beverly Ratzel and Dianne Capitani; brothers, John and Leo Guenther; and step grandson, Joshua Sestokas. She is survived by husband, Stanley R. McDonald; daughter, Pamela Watkins (David); grandson, Michael Watkins; brother, Bernard Guenther; stepdaughter, Patty Sestokas; stepsons, Michael and Kenneth (Paula) McDonald; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, 11 a.m. at Nativity of the Lord Jesus Catholic Church, 2425 Myersville Rd. (at Killian Rd.), Akron, Ohio 44312, with Father David Halaiko presiding. The family will receive friends at Nativity Church on Friday, from 3 to 8 p.m., and also Saturday from 10 a.m. until service time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 3300 E. Sunrise Drive, Tucson, AZ 85718.