Rita L. Marker

Rita Lorraine Marker, 83, of Steubenville, Ohio passed away peacefully at home on October 30, 2024. She was born on December 10, 1940 in Spokane, WA to the late Eric and Mary (Cuculic) Osterberg. Rita had no siblings.

At age 19, Rita married her beloved husband of 61 years, Mike Marker. Rita met Mike while he was enlisted in the USAF and stationed at Fairchild Base near Spokane, WA. Rita was the organist for the men’s choir. After marrying, the two moved to Oscoda, MI, where they started a family and remained for several years before relocating to Snohomish, WA.

Early in her career, Rita was a seventh grade teacher and taught piano. Later, she and others founded Pregnancy Aid in Everett, WA, and Rita served as its first director. Rita then became the director of the Pregnancy Aid of Snohomish County-WIC program, the first WIC clinic to be opened in the state of WA. In 1981, Rita, Mike and their minor children relocated briefly to St. Joseph, MN before settling in Steubenville, Ohio.

In Steubenville, Rita and Mike established the International Anti-Euthanasia Task Force, later becoming the Patients Rights Council, where Rita served as the executive director until earlier this year. While serving as the director, Rita was interviewed on countless radio and news programs and traveled nationally and internationally speaking on end of life issues. Rita held a masters degree in music and until falling ill, was a licensed attorney admitted to practice in California, the District of Columbia, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit Court, the United States District Court-Northern District of California and the United States Supreme Court. Rita authored the critically acclaimed book Deadly Compassion. She served as an adjunct professor of Political Science and Ethics at the University of Steubenville. Rita and Mike were proud to be appointed to the Vatican’s Pontifical Council on the Family, one of two married couples from the United States appointed by Pope John Paul the II.

Rita will be remembered as someone who loved her family, had a strong faith and was fiercely devoted and passionate about her work. She was an avid reader, an accomplished pianist and enjoyed sewing and gardening.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband Mike, her brother-in-law Roger Harris and her great grandson, Trynt Otis.

She is survived by her sons Mike (Marcie) Marker, Tim (Sue) Marker, Patrick Marker, Dan Marker, Paul (Jennifer) Marker, Tom (Amie) Marker, daughter Susan Young, and son-in-law, Tim Young, Sr.

She is also survived by her grandchildren Jennifer (Brian) Hensarling, Cheryl (Greg) Otis, Michael, Donnie (Abby), Andrew, Olivia, Leyton, and Maryrose Marker, Sarah (Devin) McCoy, Timothy, Harrison, Jackie and Joseph Marker, Meaghan and Jordyn Marker, Willie (Reese) Fordham, Qua’Shon Lindsey, Maurkesha, Timothy Jr. and Christopher Young, Zoey (Nick) Pederson, Liam, Noah and Owen Marker, McKenzie, Jackson and Lainey Marker, great-grandchildren Hailey, Alyssa, Michael Joseph, Onnavee, Bretton, Audrey, Miller, Toree’, Leona, A’nyah, and Bonnie, and great-great-grandchildren, Lainey, Gracie, and Abby.

Rita is also survived by her sister-in-law Susie (Roger) Harris, and her nephews and nieces, Hank (Lorri) Harris, Evan (Donna) Harris, Leah (Kyle) Amsberry, Maria (Bruce) Sylva, Cindi Harris and Sara (Marty) Vaughn as well as a number of great nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thank to Valley Hospice and Visiting Angels for the care and compassion they provided to Rita and the family.

A funeral mass will be held at Holy Family Church in Steubenville, Ohio on Friday, November 8th, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Steubenville followed by a luncheon at Holy Family Church - Malara Hall.

Offer condolences, www.mostifuneralhome.com