Rita J. Esarey Marsili, 68, passed away on July 3, 2024, after a brief illness at her home, surrounded by her family.
She was born on March 16, 1956, to Gilbert and Ruth (Harpenau) Esarey.
She was united in marriage to Frank Marsili on July 13, 2002. They were married for 18 years until his passing in 2020.
Rita was a 1974 graduate of Perry Central High School and earned an associate’s degree from Vincennes University. She retired, after 40 years, from Abbey Press as a product engineer. Rita’s passion was real estate and flipping houses. She was a realtor at Hollinden Realty.
She was an active member of St. Pius Catholic Church and its CCW. She never hesitated to volunteer to chair the annual picnic in September and sing in the choir. She was also a member of Catholic Charities, Tell City Kiwanis, Perry County Scenic Railroad Board and Perry County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.
Rita looked forward to entertaining, whether it be hosting family get-togethers, birthday parties, especially at Christmas, where she could display her Christmas villages and massive collection of snowmen.
An avid snow skier, Rita was proud to have taught all her grandchildren how to ski. Rita and her family also loved boating; however, Rita was always careful never to get her hair wet.
For many years, Rita and Frank were instructors for the Ballroom Dance Club and enjoyed offering lessons.
Rita had many passions in her life but none more important than being “Grandma’.
Surviving are her children, Rachel Granderson (Even), Leopold, Dr. Eric Marsili (Melissa), Newburgh, E. Thomasina Marsili, Spencer, Margie Weatherholt (Charlie), Derby and T.J. Ball (Steve), Gatchel; her mother, Ruth Esarey, Bristow; companion, Mike King, Tell City; her beloved grandchildren, Cole Granderson, Charles Logan Weatherholt (Shaina), Zachary Rice, Marcus and Jacob Fortwendel, Bree Noland, Gabby and Lexi Ball, McKenna Thene, Wyatt Wright and Frank O. Marsili; sisters, Elizabeth Esarey, Russellville, AK and Rosanna Tempel (Phillip), Lincoln City and brothers, Matthew Esarey (Jennifer), Tell City, Mark Esarey (Donna), Bristow, John Esarey, Norfolk, VA, Joseph Esarey, Tell City and Cletus Esarey (Monica), Rockport.
Preceding her in death were her father, Gilbert Esarey; her husband, Frank Marsili; and two infant children, Brad and Beth Gehlhausen.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. CDT on Saturday, July 6, at St. Isidore Catholic Church in Bristow. Rev. Luke Waugh will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 5, from 3-8 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30-10 a.m.at Huber Funeral Home, Tell City Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities.
Condolences for the family may be left at huberfuneralhome.net.
