Rita Lois Walker, formerly of Warsaw, passed away on Monday, July 4, 2016, at Cardinal Nursing Center, South Bend. She was 85 years old.

Born on July 8, 1930, in Philadelphia, Pa., Rita was the daughter of Louis and Rose Papiano. It was in Philadelphia where Rita graduated high school and was married to Bill J. Walker, Nov. 17, 1951.

Sometime after they were wed, the couple moved to Indiana. Rita attended Purdue University where she earned an Associate’s degree in Nursing. Working as a nurse, Rita retired from Kosciusko Community Hospital in 1995. Over her 30 year nursing career she had worked for Murphy Medical Center and for RR Donnelly. She was also a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Warsaw.

Those who survive include two daughters and sons-in-law: Lynne (John Laskie) Walker, South Bend; and Rosemary (John) Marburger, Indianapolis; a son: James Walker; six grandchildren: John Winn Jr.; James Winn; Antonio Winn; Melissa (Marburger) Brown; Joseph Marburger; and Bill Marburger; and three great-grandchildren: Lilliana Brown; Henry Brown; and Rocco Brown. Rita was preceded in death by her husband: Bill J. Walker on Jan. 12, 2007; a daughter: Mary Louise Walker; son: William Joseph Walker; three sisters: Francis Papiano; Dorothy Papiano; and Jane Papiano; and one brother: Frank Papiano.

Friends and family may gather together for a time of visitation from 9-11 a.m. Friday, July 8, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Warsaw. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. in the Church with Father Phil DeVolder officiating. Burial will take place in Warsaw’s Oakwood Cemetery.

The family has asked that gifts in Rita’s memory be given to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Warsaw.

The staff of Titus Funeral Home considers it a privilege and an honor to care for the friends and family of Rita L. Walker.