Rita Eileen (Parks) Anderson Riccardi, 84, of Xenia, passed from death unto life on July 29, 2017, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's.  She was preceded in death by her loving husband and the father of her children, Donald Anderson, a Xenia farmer; also by her second husband, Russell Riccardi of Beavercreek, OH.  She was born in Paintersville, Ohio, the elder daughter of Everett and Jessie (Bone) Parks. Rita was a 1950 graduate of Xenia Central High School.  Rita loved the Lord and was a long-time member of Xenia Nazarene Church where she served on the church board, taught Sunday School classes, and served on numerous boards and committees.  She traveled several times with mission groups to Papua New Guinea.  She had a wonderful voice and sang in high school musicals, trios, church choirs, and often performed as a soloist.  Rita loved quilting, camping, boating, skiing, and baking fabulous pies. She was also known for her hospitality.  Rita worked as a professional secretary for Peterson, Neatherton, Peterson; Thomas, Moll & Close Architects; and Sheffield Machine Tool. She was also a local realtor. Rita will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her sister, Mary Ann Parks Jaros of Tipp City, OH; her son Timothy (Cindy) Anderson, daughter Melody Anderson, and son Rodney (Jodi) Anderson, all of Xenia, OH.  Step-children Jan  Riccardi (Dane) Clark of Flowery Branch, GA, and Lee Ann Riccardi of Princeton, NJ.  Grandchildren Benjamin (Emily) Anderson of Ft.Thomas, KY; Bethany Anderson (Justin) Knight of Bourbonnais, IL; Holly Robinson of Herscher, IL; Thaddeus Anderson of New York, NY; Jennifer Anderson (Michael) Watson of  Rio Vista, TX; Dillon (Morgan) Anderson of Xenia, OH.  Step-grandchildren Phillip Clark and Alan Clark of Flowery Branch, GA. Great-grandchildren Madeline Anderson, Peyton Anderson, Samuel Knight, Moses Knight, Mekayla Knight, Malakai Anderson, Emily Knight, and Briley Watson. Step-mother Frieda Parks, and Sister'n law Evelyn Anderson Ferguson.  Nieces Laura Ferguson Brown, Amy Jaros Sayre, Lynette Ferguson Magnuson, and Nephews Matt Jaros and Joe Ferguson.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, August 3rd, at Xenia Church of the Nazarene with Rev. Michael Hancock officiating.  Visitation will be held from 5-8 pm Wednesday at the Church. Burial will be in Valley View Memorial Gardens. Contributions may be made to the Xenia Nazarene Church, c/o Missions, 1204 W. Second Street, Xenia, OH, 45385 in her memory.  Condolences may be made to the family at www.NeeldFuneralHome.com