Rita Knore

Rita Sue Knore, 85, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2026. Born on November 5, 1940, to Margaret E. (Lowery) and Roy F. Ware in Chauncey, Ohio. Rita worked at Swan Cleaners in her early years, followed later by VanDyne-Crotty. She was mainly, and most importantly, a homemaker. Rita was the kind of woman who made a neighborhood feel like home. To many, she wasn’t just a neighbor, she was Grandma, Mom, Sister and Friend. Her door was always open, and there was always a spot for you on her porch. If you needed someone to talk to, she was always available to listen. Rita loved unconditionally, not only in word but also in action.

Rita’s children and grandchildren were her world, her greatest pride, and her greatest joy. Family, whether by blood or by choice, was everything to her.

She devoted herself for 58 years to her husband John, who passed in July 2025. They cared for each other in sickness and in health.

Rita is survived by sons Mark (Kim), Knore, Terry Knore, and Johnny (Chrissy) Knore and daughter Joanie (Bill) Hines; grandchildren Josh (Sara), Taylor, Kyle, Kari (Zach), Doug (Taylor), Christian, Jaxson (Monique) and Lia; and great-grandchildren Addilyn, Harper, Delaney, and Charlotte Mae. brother Kenneth Ware, (brother and sisters-in-law) Frank (Beckie) Knore, Pam Castle, Marilyn Weisenberger. Special lifelong friend Patty Hicks.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband John; grandson, Adam Ruff; brother and sister-in-law Roy and Evelyn Ware.

Rita’s presence will be deeply missed, but because of her personal relationship with Jesus Christ, she will be with Him in eternity!

Family will receive friends, Friday, February 6, 2026, from 4-7 p.m. and Saturday, February 7, 2026, beginning at 9 a.m. until the funeral service at 10 a.m., at GRAUMLICH FUNERAL HOME, 1351 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43207, with Pastor Matt Archibald officiating. Interment to follow at Franklin Hills Memory Gardens in Canal Winchester, Ohio. To sign Rita’s online guest book and leave a condolence for her family please visit www.graumlichfuneralhome.com