Rita Mae Plaugher, 80, passed away March 25, 2023 at Mercy Health-St. Rita's Medical Center, Lima. Rita was born June 22, 1942 in Lima to the late Edwin and Marcilina (Haselman) Palte.

Rita graduated from Beaverdam High School. She was a school bus driver for Bluffton Schools for 30 years. Rita was a member of St. Gerard's Catholic Church, Lima. She had been a very active member of the Allen County 4-H for over 45 years. Rita was known as "Grandma of 4-H" to many and will be extremely missed. She loved the Cincinnati Reds, gambling, going to the casino and playing cards, especially euchre.

Survivors include six children, Teresa (Doug) Griffith of Lima, Tammy (Chuck) Boughan of Lima, Ed  (Susan) Plaugher of Lima, Cathy (John) Lauck of Lima, Janet (Mike) Burgett of Guntown, Mississippi, Jim (Nicole) Plaugher of Waynesfield; fourteen grandchildren, Katelyn Miller, Jarvae Boughan, Trey Boughan, Sarah Kaufman, Tiffany Gray, Clint Strickland, Randy Plaugher, Whitney Kamm, Dustin Lauck, Charlie Patterson, Greg Patterson, Brittany Dickerson, Levi Plaugher, Megan Eutsler; fifteen great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.

Rita was preceded in death by two brothers, William Palte, James Palte; a sister, Lou Ann Osborne and her former husband, Robert Lee Plaugher.

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at St. Gerard Catholic Church, Lima.  Father Paul Mathew officiating. Burial will be in St. Anthony's Cemetery, Columbus Grove following the service. Visitation will be Tuesday, March 28, 2023 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00- 8:00 p.m. at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Bluffton

Memorial contributions may be made to the Allen County Horse Council.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com/