Rita J. Helscel

Rita J. Helscel (nee Buser), 89, of Cleveland, passed away on Monday August 10, 2026 at Metro Health Medical Center in Cleveland following a three year battle with dementia. She was born February 11, 1937 in Girard. Rita was a graduate of Liberty High School and was the head majorette for the high school marching band. She was a homemaker and after her children were in school she worked in retail as a sales clerk at several area stores. Rita was an avid Cleveland sports fan and she enjoyed dancing. She also enjoyed going to the CPPA Zone Car Lounge in Cleveland every Friday night for years. Most of all, she loved caring for her beloved family. Rita Helscel is survived by: three daughters, Kathi Foote of Cleveland, Vicki Kelly of Boardman, and Dawn “Dee” Emert of Brunswick; one son, Gary Helscel of Cleveland; 13 grandchildren, Amanda (Jesse), Ashley, Matthew, Heather, Kerriann (Ryan), Danielle (Eric), Kimberly, Jay, Bobby, Bradley, Brandon (Sarah), Colin, and Dylan (Mischa); six great grandchildren, Jude, Gabriel, Lilyan, Oliver, Finnick, and Margaret; and one brother, Regis Helscel (Betty) of McDonald. She was preceded in death by: her husband, David Helscel in 2006; her parents, Eugene and Susan (nee Chalker) Buser; a sister, Arlene Barnard; and two brothers, Donald and Eugene Buser. 

The family will receive friends on Friday August 14, 2026 from 2pm until the time of the Funeral Service at 6pm at the Zabor Funeral Home, 5680 Pearl Road, Parma. Fr. Douglas Brown from Mary Queen of Peace Church in Cleveland, will officiate. Interment will be at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Seville. Liston Funeral Home, North Ridgeville, is serving the family.