Rita Rose Duerstock, age 82, of the Napoleon community, passed away peacefully at her home late on July 3, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born on December 21, 1942, in Batesville, Indiana, the daughter of the late Aloysius and Esther (Bruns) Thole.
Rita was a proud graduate of Jac-Cen-Del High School, Class of 1961. She continued her education at Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Services. She dedicated much of her career to Community Mental Health in Lawrenceburg, where her compassion shone through as she worked to support individuals in need. Rita had a generous heart and often volunteered her time to help the elderly.
In her personal life, she married Cyril Duerstock in 1962, and together they were blessed with five children. She retired at the age of 74 and cherished the opportunity to spend more time with her growing family.
Rita was deeply rooted in her Catholic faith and was a lifelong member of St. Maurice Catholic Church in Napoleon. She enjoyed watching western television shows, visiting state parks, and spending time with her loved ones.
She is survived by Cyril; sons Kevin (Cathy) Duerstock, Michael (Vicki) Duerstock, and Doug (Amie) Duerstock; daughter Jennifer (Brian) Williams; grandchildren Kristen, Rachel, Natasha, Travis, Caitlyn, Colton, Ellie, Annabelle, Kylie, and Kelsey; and great-grandchildren Beverley, Ward, Owen, Brynnleigh, and Adalynn. Also surviving are her brother Paul Thole and sisters Eileen Wagner, Jane Reader, Marie Haunert, and Anita Holley.
She was preceded in death by her daughter Tina Marie, her parents, and sister Martha Moorman.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at Neal’s Funeral Home in Osgood. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Maurice Catholic Church in Napoleon. Doors will open for the church at 9 am. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Online condolences may be shared at www.nealsfuneralhome.net. Memorials may be given to St. Maurice Catholic Church or Margaret Mary Hospice in care of the funeral home.