Rita Alice Bruhl

Rita Alice Bruhl died Friday, February 17, 2017. She was born July 15, 1924 to Cecelia and Henry Allen Young. A lifelong Toledo resident, she attended DeVilbiss High School and the University of Toledo where she was a member of Chi Omega sorority. Fascinated by books, especially historical novels, Rita kept a list of almost 1000 books she had read. Rita started playing tennis in her teens and enjoyed playing with her Inverness tennis buddies well into her 60s. An advocate of bolstering international relations, she was president of the American Field Service chapter at Ottawa Hills High School. Along with her husband Dale, she hosted many foreign students throughout the years. Rita and Dale travelled extensively, visiting and making friends wherever they went. A very patriotic American, Rita never missed voting in an election. While serving on the Toledo, Ohio/Toledo, Spain Sister City committee, Rita was honored to be invited to the White House by President Nixon and met Juan Carlos, King of Spain. Rita was a committed volunteer and gracious hostess. She and Dale loved entertaining and always had room for one more at their table. Rita had a special relationship with her grand and great-grandchildren enjoying picnics and overnight stays with them. Rita was preceded in death by her loving, cherished husband Dale. She is survived by her daughters, Gretchen (Duncan) Thomas, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, and Heidi (David) Waterman, Toledo; stepdaughter, Susan Campbell, Louisville, KY; stepson, Dale (Patricia) Bruhl, Jr., Maumee; 5 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Special thanks to family friend, Becky Vincent, for her insight and optimistic care, and to the extraordinary staff at Oakleaf Village where Rita lived for the last four years. A private memorial service will be held by her family. Donations honoring Rita should be made to the Lucas County Public Library, 325 N. Michigan St. Toledo, Ohio 43604 or the Cherry Street Mission, 105 17th St. Toledo, Ohio 43604.