Rita J (Ralya) O'Brien

Rita J. O’Brien, 70 of Danville, passed away October 15, 2019.  She was born on November 03, 1948 in Waynesville, Missouri, to the late Earl and Ruth (Rochester) Ralya.  Rita worked as a secretary and registrar for the Avon Community School Corporation for 22 years before retiring.  She then worked at the Avon Christian Church and volunteered in the Community Garden, delivered Care bags to the homeless downtown, and drove for Meals on Wheels.  Christmas was her favorite holiday and she was devoted to the “Operation Christmas Child” program. Rita spent most of her free time cheering on her grandchildren in their sports, music and dance, 4H competitions, and in life!  She was a member of Bartlett Chapel United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir for many years.  Recently, Rita attended West Bridge Church in Danville.  Survivors include her children; Erin (Mark) Garland, Patrick, Jr. (Ginger) O’Brien, Cory O’Brien, Casey (Kellie) O’Brien; siblings, Tom (Jackie) Ralya, Lee (Gail) Ralya, Tressa (Steve) Reisetter; and her beloved grandchildren; Dylan, Keegan, Brody, Emma, Meghan, Kerrigan, Liam, Emilee, Lilly, and Darby.  Her parents and former husband, Patrick M. O’Brien, preceded her in death.

Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 pm on Friday, October 25th, 2019 at West Bridge Church, 1521 S CR 75 W, Danville, IN.  A Celebration of Life will be held at the Garland residence on Saturday, October 26th at 2:30pm.   Rita loved color, so the family requests you wear cheerful colors, her favorite color was red.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Operation Christmas Child c/o Bartlett Chapel United Methodist Church 4396 E Main St Avon, IN 46123.  Baker Funeral Home, Danville, is handling the arrangements. 

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