Rita A. Belot, age 96, of Fort Wayne, IN passed away on Monday, September 23, 2024, at Lutheran Hospital.  Born on March 25, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Morris and Margaret (Shea) Waltemath.  Rita was a graduate of Central Catholic High School, class of 1946.  On September 29, 1951, she married the love of her life, James H. Belot Jr., and together they spent the next 61 years building a life in Fort Wayne and watching their family grow.  Rita worked at Fishman's Department Store and as a school librarian at St. Henry Catholic School.  When not working, Rita enjoyed playing bridge, reading, and volunteering at church.  She also had quite a green thumb and loved growing flowers and plants.  She enjoyed many outings with her friends and even went camping at age 94.  Rita was a loving grandmother and cherished the time she spent with her only grandson.  Faith was important to Rita, as she was devout in her beliefs.  She was an active member at St. Henry Catholic Church, Fort Wayne.  She will be dearly missed by her family and her many friends.  Left to cherish her memory are her sons, James H. (Mary Jane) Belot III. and Jeffrey M. Belot; grandson, Thomas Belot; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.  Rita was preceded in death by her husband James H. Belot Jr.; daughter Beth Motyka; her parents; sister, Mary Gemmill; and brothers, Kenneth and Butch Waltemath.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at St. Henry Catholic Church, 2929 E. Paulding Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46816 with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m.  Visitation will also be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 27, 2024, at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN 46805 with a Rosary beginning at 3:30 p.m.  Burial will follow the Mass at Catholic Cemetery, Fort Wayne.  Memorials can be written to St. Henry Catholic Church or for Mass Intentions in Rita's name.  Condolences can be left at www.divinemercyfuneralhome.com for the family.