CANTON, OHIO – Rita Margaret Ashton, age 73, of Canton, went home to be with the Lord on September 11, 2026. Rita was born on December 17, 1953, in Massillon, Ohio, to the late Ralph and Ellen Eberhardt. On September 9, 1972, she married her sweetheart, Denny Ashton. Together, they raised three sons while Rita devoted herself to being a stay-at-home mom. She later spent 27 years serving the clients of Stark County MRDD, retiring in December 2018. Rita was also a faithful member of Canton Baptist Temple.

Rita’s friends and family will remember her most for her unwavering faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and for the joy she found in sharing Him with others. She was selfless, loving, and deeply hospitable, always putting others before herself and making people feel welcome and cared for. Her life was a beautiful reflection of the faith she cherished.

Rita is survived by her husband of 54 years, Denny; her sons and daughters-in-law, Matt (Amanda), Brian (Amy), and Kevin (Lauran); her siblings and their spouses, Tom (Cindy), Mary, and Kathy (William), 11 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 10:00AM-12:00PM at Canton Baptist Temple, 515 Whipple Avenue NW, Canton, OH 44708. A funeral service will follow at the church at 12:00PM, officiated by Pastor Ben Jennings. A private burial will take place at Sunset Hills Memory Gardens in Canton, OH.

Flowers may be delivered to the church on Wednesday between 9:00-11:00AM. However, her family requests that you consider making a memorial donation to the Crossroads Hospice Charitable Foundation or to the church, rather than sending flowers. Donations may be made through the following link https://www.crhcf.org/memorial-donation. Donation envelopes will be available at the church. For additional information and to view Rita’s online obituary, please visit www.churchfuneralsdirect.com.



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