MIDDLEBURY — Rita Lucille Pelkey died March 22, 2022, at age 83. Rita was born on March 3, 1939, to Hiram Stone and Edna (Ploof). She graduated from Middlebury High School in 1957. She earned her associates degree from CCV. 

She held several jobs in the Middlebury community, including food service at Middlebury College, and dining room hostess at both Middlebury and Waybury Inns. She also sold advertising for WFAD.

After retirement, Rita spent much of her time knitting and sewing items that she lovingly gave to her local church and to H.O.P.E. Rita was an avid fan of the Middlebury College Men’s Hockey Program, which she faithfully followed for many years. 

Rita is survived by her daughter, Dawn (Jewell) MacIntire and husband Bruce of Vergennes; by her son, Skye Store and wife Diana of Nevada; grandson Jared MacIntire and wife Jessi of Vergennes; granddaughter Caitlin McCarrick and husband James of Vergennes; granddaughter Meagan MacIntire and partner Chris Heath, also of Vergennes; and by four great-grandchildren, Alina, Owen, Zoie and Samantha.

She was predeceased by her second husband, Francis Pelkey, in 2010.

Calling hours will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, April 1, at Sanderson-Ducharme Funeral Home with the funeral at Valley Bible Church in East Middlebury at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 2, followed by a family goodbye at Evergreen Cemetery in New Haven. There will be a celebration of life at Valley Bible Church. In lieu of flowers please make donations to H.O.P.E. at 282 Boardman Street in Middlebury.  

Arrangements under the direction of Sanderson-Ducharme Funeral Home; online condolences at www.sandersonfuneralservice.com.◊