Rita H. Sowd

Rita H. Sowd, age 93, passed away on Saturday, October 7th surrounded by her loving family. She was a life resident of Canton and had worked for several insurance agencies. Rita was a member of Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Church and in retirement was active in Meals On Wheels, Trirosis and Saint Michael's Sociable Seniors. She was preceded in death by her husband, Woodrow G. Sowd, parents, Richard and Thecla Gellenbeck, brothers, Earl and James Gellenbeck and son-in-law, Timothy Kazakis. Rita is survived by her children and their spouses, Michael and Ann Sowd of Uniontowm, Ronald Sowd of Bolivar, Peggy and Ray Stoffer of Olmsted Falls, Nancy Kazakis of Massillon and Edward Sowd of Nevada City, California, nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, sister, Doris Pertl and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to express their gratitude to the staffs of the Canton Regency Assisted Living and Crossroads Hospice for their wonderful care. Family and friends will meet on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial with Father Donald King as celebrant. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call Wednesday from 10-11 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank, 350 Opportunity Parkway, Akron, Ohio 44307.