November 23, 2017
Rita Mercedes Kessler Shay Marzetti, 89, of Ashland, passed away peacefully in her home with family by her side, on November 19th, 2017. Rita was born to Charles S. and Della (McDonugh) Kessler on October, 19, 1928 in Versailles, PA.
In her early years, Rita lived in New York City and attended New York University. She graduated with an Associate’s degree in Applied Sciences from Ashland Community College in 1979 alongside her eldest daughter, Rhonda Shay. She had a diverse professional career working in a variety of industries. Rita was a Phlebotomist at Kings Daughters Medical Center, a Professional Realtor, an Extension Program Assistant through the University of Kentucky, and a CMA Program Director at the radio station WTCR.
She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Known for her love of travel and cooking, Rita enjoyed the company of friends and her large family; her sense of humor was never far away. Whether she was enjoying her winter Florida home, weekends at the river cabin in Greenup, KY, or family vacations, Rita experienced a full life. Her home was frequently the center of lively gatherings, young and old. She was an active member of Holy Family Catholic Church.
Rita was preceded in death by her husband Dante Marzetti; son, John Egon Shay; sisters Dell Hutchison and Flo Carlson; brothers Bernie Kessler, Charlie Kessler and Eugene Kessler; and her first husband, Thomas R. Shay.
Rita is survived by five daughters, Rhonda Shay, Pamela Marzetti, Mary Shay (Darrell) Young, Adrianne Shay (Michael) Meade and Rita C. Marzetti; five sons, Thomas R. Shay Jr. (Jean Scribner), Phillip McGuire, Dante P. Marzetti Jr., Charles John Shay (Nancie Vaill) and Patrick Church Shay (Wendy Cort); 14 grandchildren, Aaron Pullum, Austin Young, Thomas R. Shay III (Dr. Heather Bostwick), Kevin Shay (Heather Robinson), Eric Young, Dr. Mitchell Meade (Jacqueline Siegler), Stephen Shay, Nikki Young (Donnie) Tyndall, Jeremy Meade (Katie Poplin), Michael Slone, Megan Shay (Andrew) Holbrook, Darion Marzetti, Emily Shay and Dakota Puckett; four great-grandchildren, William Meade, Lauren Meade, Lorelai Shay, and Riley Shay; and her faithful dog, Cee -Cee.
Visitation will be held at Lazear Funeral Home, 1632 Central Ave, Ashland, KY 41101, on Friday, November 24th, 4:30 - 6:00 PM, with a memorial service to begin at 6:00 PM. A reception will be held at the conclusion of the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Community Hospice Care Center, 2330 Pollard Rd., Ashland, KY 41101.