Rita E. (Benton) Coyer of Bellefontaine, loving wife of the late Marion Coyer, Retired Sergeant First Class, passed away Sunday, December 3, 2023 at Mary Rutan Hospital of natural causes. Present with her was niece Amie Burkhammer.

Rita was born February 12, 1944 in Bellefontaine, to the late Lloyd Benton and Thelma Ellis. On May 26, 1979 in Bellefontaine she married Marion Coyer. Before that, Rita married Harold Dowdy on his 21st birthday on March 1, 1963; they divorced in 1975. Rita's mother-in-law was Oleeta Dowdy and Rita was very proud to have been an "adopted" member of the Dowdy family even after divorce.

She loved stray cats, jigsaw puzzles, quilting/sewing and mystery novels/shows. She was very supportive of her son's military service in the Marines and frequently updated the Bellefontaine Examiner with information on his career. She also loved her granddaughter very much.

Rita was the last surviving member of her late siblings Wilbur, Ellen, Ralph (Jack), Clayton and Vernon. She is survived by her only child, Joseph (Veronica) Benton; granddaughter Angelina "Pink" Benton, niece Amie (Bob) Burkhammer; and many other nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as numerous kitties.

A Funeral Service will be held Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Jennings Farley & Seeley Funeral Home & Crematory. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be in Highland Memorial Cemetery following the service.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Logan County Cancer Society, c/o Mary Rutan Hospital, 205 E. Palmer Ave. Bellefontaine, OH 43311

Online Condolences may be expressed at www.jenningsfarley.com