Rita Mae Elam

It is with both sorrow and joy that we announce the passing of our beloved Rita Mae Elam, who departed this life on February 17, 2026, at the age of 94. Born on December 5, 1931, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Rita lived a vibrant life filled with love, laughter, and music. She was raised in Price Hill with her four siblings Harry, Dee, Joan, & Ray. She cherished & shared many of these memories with her family and friends.

She graduated from St. Lawrence Elementary and Seton High School in Price Hill, after spending years entertaining by “singing on the stoop” for change. After marrying & raising children with the love of her life, Virgil, she spent time working “on the Harmony Loan case,” for Mort Zeff (“her most favorite boss”) at the jewelry store down on Monmouth St in Newport, & in the badge room at the IRS in Covington, “where anyone that wanted in had to see her first (& smile).”

Rita was not just a devoted wife for over 40 years to her late husband Virgil; she was the cornerstone of her family, thriving in the joy of her children and grandchildren. Her son, Michael Hughes; daughters, Linda Goldstein, Kimberly Howard and Cindy Farrell; and her son-in-law, Danny Howard, will forever treasure the memories they created together. Rita’s legacy continues with her cherished grandchildren: Chris Duff, Ashley Thomas, Peter Goldstein, Jimmy Webster, Johnny Farrell, Alexis Farrell, Kacie Hughes, Chelsea Apodaca, Griffin Howard, and Shelby Howard. She also embraced the joy of many nieces and nephews as well as being a great grandmother to 13 beautiful great grandchildren, even as she mourned the loss of two: Brooklyn and Jackson.

Rita had a heart full of joy, a love for singing big band & the American songbook, especially the legendary Frank Sinatra. As a proud and dedicated member of the Eastern Star & Lady Shriner Bona Chords, she enjoyed traveling with her late husband and her friends from the organizations.

Join us for a celebration of Rita’s remarkable life! A visitation will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026, starting at 12:30 PM at the Arlington Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 2155 Compton Road, 45231 (follow the blue line upon entering the memorial park). A memorial service will take place at 1:30 PM, leading to a graveside service at 2:30 PM at Arlington Memorial Gardens in the garden of 23^rd Psalm.

Let us come together to honor the joyful spirit of Rita Mae Elam, who loved deeply, sang loudly, and spread warmth wherever she went. We invite all who knew and loved her to celebrate her vibrant life and gracious heart.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Mamie Heylmun; her siblings, Harry, Dee, Joan and Ray; her husband, Virgil and her most beloved daughter, Kimberly Howard.