The Star Beacon Obituaries
Rita J. Balog
Sep 24, 1930 - Nov 4, 2016
Rita Jean Balog, age 86, passed away on Friday, Nov. 4, 2016, at the Ashtabula County Nursing Home following a long battle with Alzheimer's.
Rita was born Sept. 24, 1930, in Ashtabula, the daughter of Frederick Carroll and Marguerite Ethel (White) Grady. A 1948 graduate of Harbor High School, she married the love of her life, Richard F. Balog on Oct. 16, 1949.
Rita attended Kent State University in 1977, obtained a BA in General Studies in 1978, and her Masters of Library Science in 1980. She worked as a clerk typist at the Harbor Topky Public Library in Ashtabula from 1973-75, then became the Children's Librarian at the Harbor Topky Public Library from 1975-80, and finally was the Director of the Library from 1980-97 before retiring in 1997. She also volunteered as Librarian at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School 1972-75.
Rita was a member of the Ashtabula Architectural Restoration and Review Board from 1975-95. She volunteered as a Leader with the Lake River Council Girl Scouts in the U.S., Niles from 1958-73, was a member of the Nominating Committee Board of Directors from 1989-91, and served as Child Camp Director from 1991-95.
She was a member of the American Library Association, American Association of University Women, N.E. Ohio Library Association (Regional Advice Board 1984-86), Ashtabula County Librarians Association (President) 1985-86, Ashtabula Area Museum and Historical Society (Trustee 1992-98), Zonta President 1987-89 and Trustee Ashtabula County Librarians, Chair 1994-96.
A member of the Second Congregational United Church of Christ, she volunteered as a Sunday School Teacher for 10 years as well as being a member of the church choir and Board of Deacons.
Rita enjoyed her dogs, collecting rocks, wild flowers, gardening, swimming, needlecraft and, most of all, spending time with her family and grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her granddaughter, Corrine Annette Balog in 1986; her husband, Richard in 1988; and her second husband, Raymond Haapala in 2009.
Survivors include three sons, Richard (Ann) of Ashtabula, Ohio, Ron (Julie) of Grand River, Ohio and Robert (Gina) of North Ridgeville, Ohio; a daughter, Rebecca (Balog) Gibson of Jolo, W.Va.; grandchildren, Richard L. Gibson (Rhonda), Elizabeth Balog Francis (Keith), Richard W. Balog (Danielle), Genevieve Balog, Sarah VanLoocke (Andy), and Laura Balog; 10 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
Calling Hours will be held from 2 to 4 p.m., Today, Nov. 6th, at ZABACK-WILLIAMS-DUCRO FUNERAL HOME, 500 W. Prospect Road, Ashtabula and on Monday, Nov. 7th, from 1 to 2 p.m., at the Second Congregational Church, 319 Lake Ave., Ashtabula.
Funeral Services will be held 2 p.m., Monday, Nov. 7th, at the Second Congregational Church, 319 Lake Ave., Ashtabula. The Rev. Christopher McCain, Pastor, will officiate assisted by Pastor Emeritus, the Rev. Glen Warner. Burial will follow in Edgewood Cemetery.
Contributions may be to Second Congregational Church or the Harbor Topky Memorial Library, 1633 Walnut Blvd., Ashtabula, Ohio.
Obituary at www.ducro.com.
