Rita M. Griffin, 59, of Poland, passed away Friday, March 9, at her home following an extended illness. Rita was born on Nov. 24, 1952 in Youngstown, a daughter of George and Helen (Phulmurski) Aaron, and was a lifelong area resident. She attended Austintown Fitch High School. Rita had previously worked as a cashier for Valu King and Giant Eagle in North Lima. Rita was an avid lover of Pomeranians. She also loved fishing, bowling, camping, white-water rafting, needlepoint art, and traveling the USA. She was a loyal wife and loving mother.She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Rita was a kind and loving woman who always thought about the well-being of others, even to the end. Rita leaves to cherish her precious memory, her husband, Gregg, whom she married on June 9, 1976; her son, Jesse (Natalie) Griffin; two sisters, Elaine Wilson of Statesville, N.C., and Georgeann Patzak of Austintown; several nieces and nephews; and a grandson, Aaron Michael, who is due to be born on April 6. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 13 at the Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home in North Lima with Pastor Harold Carter officiating. Friends may call from 12-2 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at the Mt. Olivet United Church of Christ Cemetery. Material contributions may be made to the Hope Center for Cancer Care, 835 Southwestern Run, Poland, Ohio, 44514. Family and friends are invited to visit www.seederly-mongandbeck.com to view this obituary, sign the guest registry, or send private condolences online.