Rita Marie Sallee , age 74 of Silver Lake and formerly of Elwood, passed away on Friday, July 30, 2021 surrounded by her family at home following an extended illness.  She was born March 20, 1947 in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Spencer and Rita Mae (McLaughlin) Riddle.  She was raised in the Catholic faith and attended St. Joseph School in Tipton before finishing at Frankton High School.  Rita was a devoted homemaker most of her life, and also formerly worked for two years at Ex-Cello in Elwood.  She married Stanley H. Sallee on September 30, 1963, and they shared over 47 years of marriage together.  Rita loved watching birds at her lake home and especially enjoyed playing Bingo for many years.  She and Stan had great memories of traveling together in their R.V. for many years.  Rita was blessed with the gift of singing, and many people said she sounded like Loretta Lynn.  More than anything, she adored her family and all her grandchildren.  Rita's passing has left a void in the hearts of her family, but they know she has reached a special place in Heaven with her husband and her son.

Rita's family includes 3 Children – Donna (Nate) Saldana of Kokomo, Stanley J. (Michelle) Sallee of Silver Lake, and Kenny (Amber) Sallee of Elwood; brother, Jim (Mary Beth) Riddle of Cicero; 12 Grandchildren, Michael Saldana, Miranda Saldana, Mallory Saldana, Randy (Savannah) Moore, Brad (Kasandra) Moore, Allison (Jamie) Geiling, Kristen Sallee (Fiance' Scott), Spencer Sallee, Jacob "JD" Sallee (fiance' Courtney), Holly Sallee, Hunter Sallee, and Kendra Sallee; 5 Great-Grandchildren, Layla, Zek, Aubrey, Matthew, and Sonny; brother-in-law, Kenneth (Becky) Sallee of Elwood; sister-in-law, Mary (Sonny) Amos of Elwood; her beloved dogs, "Banjo" and "Serena"; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Rita was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Stanley Sallee in 2011; and son, Danny L. "Big Dan" Sallee in 2016.

A funeral service celebrating Rita's life and legacy will be conducted at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with her grandson, Rev. Brad Moore, officiating.  Entombment will take place privately at the Elwood City Cemetery Mausoleum.  Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 pm on Wednesday prior to the funeral at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Memorial Contributions are suggested to the Shelburn Church of God Youth Group, 615 W. Mill Street, Shelburn, IN 47879.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com.