Rita LaVerne (Gergye) Stalzer

Rita La Verne (Gergye) Stalzer passed away January 1st, 2022, at age 80.

Rita was born in Cleveland Ohio to John and Mary (Phillips) Gergye. She enjoyed growing up on Fuller Ave with her 4 siblings and pet chicken. Recently predeceased by her sister Nancy Lachowski. Her sister Marie and brothers John and Tony passed away long ago.

Rita had a marvelous sparkle and an infectious energy that brought joy and comfort to those fortunate to know her. She was blessed with a natural flare for design and was a skilled seamstress. Her daughter’s and their dolls wore the envy of the neighborhood. Her talent was spotlighted the year she managed to incorporate a motorcycle spending winter in the dining room into a Thanksgiving centerpiece!

Having gypsy in her blood it was hard to keep Rita in one place long. She enjoyed numerous travel adventures and residences. Living at the beach in Galveston TX she fell in love with the Gulf of Mexico. Prior to the pandemic Rita continued to enjoy the ocean, regularly visiting her family on the Florida coasts. Retired from her role as a dental lab technician at age 65, she devoted herself whole heartedly to her roles as mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was witty, kind, empathic, generous and a confidant who listened and advised with wisdom and patience. She remained an involved member of her Kenmore community for many years after retirement. Volunteering often for her grandchildren’s school programs and First Glance and neighborhood Teen programs she was cheerfully greeted as Grandma Rita or “Granny” everywhere she went.

Rita is survived by her daughters Laura Stalzer and Vicki Litman (Donald Litman), Grandchildren Anthony Macchiarella (Katie Desantis); Kaila Litman (Matthew Ross); Jesse Litman (Cass Litman) and great granddaughters Tori Litman and Sami Litman.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Prentice Funeral Home, 1154 Kenmore Blvd. on Saturday April 2, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. officiated by Pastor Kevin Burkholder.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. 

A memorial planting and plaque are to be placed at Seiberling Nature Realm.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rita LaVerne (Gergye) Stalzer, please visit our floral store.