COLUMBUS, Ohio — Rita Wolfe, who previously worked at WBNS-10TV and served on several community organizations and philanthropies in Columbus and Franklin County, passed away Monday.
Rita, 56, was born Oct. 4, 1967, to John and Ann Wolfe. John served as chairman of The Dispatch Printing Company before he passed away in 2016 from a two-year battle with cancer.
Rita graduated from the Columbus School for Girls and went on to attend Miami University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communications. Inspired by her father, she began work at WGN-TV in Chicago before returning to Columbus in 1991 to work in the sales department at WBNS.
She was later promoted to corporate director of civic affairs for The Dispatch Printing Company. She held that position from 2000-2016. She was then named vice president and director of corporate relations.
In an obituary written by her family, Rita was described as someone who radiated positivity in good times and bad and had a keen sense of humor.
She also served her community through various initiatives – one focusing on the plague of human trafficking.
Rita served on the boards of The Harmony Project, the James Cancer Hospital, Columbus Humane, Ohio State’s College of Veterinary Medicine Engagement Council and Leadership Columbus.
Laurie Marsh, Rita's friend and the former executive director of Leadership Columbus said Rita was larger than life.
"She was a very, very quiet behind-the-scenes philanthropist," Marsh said. "The work that she did will always continue on as part of family's legacy but also her particular brand. Family came first."
Marsh said Rita exhibited all three legs of the stool of Leadership Columbus: humility, empathy and vulnerability.
"She put herself in other people's shoes and that's what forged her connection to do even more," Marsh said.
Rustin Moore, Dean of Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine, said he hopes he can carry what he's learned from her in his life. Moore said Rita was someone who cared about every person and every animal, no matter their background or the walk of life they came from.
"I think Rita epitomizes what our mission is and really lives it every day. She has served on our philanthropic engagement council," Moore said. "She gave time, talent, treasure and most importantly trust. It's really that trust that I think she has, it's almost inherent. It's part of who she is and she has the biggest heart of about anybody I know."
She was preceded in death by father John F. Wolfe and aunt Nancy W. Lane. She is survived by mother Ann I. Wolfe; sisters Sara W. (Michael) Perrini and Katie W. (Clark) Lloyd; niece Abigail W. Perrini; nephews M. Christopher Perrini, J.P. Perrini, Jack Lloyd, and Teddy Lloyd; Uncle Richard A. (Sharon) Isaly Jr.; cousins Richard A. Isaly III (Lisa), Matthew H. Isaly (Betsy), Elizabeth L. Jarrell, and Mary M. Lane (Ben Wolfe). She also is survived by former husband Bobby Hoag.