Rita I. Brun

On Friday, October 17, 2025, Rita Brun, age 88, of Dayton passed away, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, kindness and love. Rita will be remembered for her quiet strength, her unwavering faith, and her commitment to her family.

Rita Irene was born in Sidney, Ohio, on May 31, 1937 to Carl and Emma Yost. She and her twin, Rafe, were the youngest of eight children. Growing up across from the Shelby County Fairgrounds, she looked forward each year to the fair, loved roller skating with her older siblings, and learned to mushroom hunt and can vegetables from her dad.

Rita attended nursing school at Good Samaritan Hospital in Dayton. During this time, she met Fred Brun, who was immediately drawn to her warm and friendly smile. They married on November 27, 1958 and built a life together raising seven children, attending dances at the Catholic Order of Foresters events, volunteering at their church, and nurturing long-lasting relationships with family and friends.

In their Illinois Avenue neighborhood and beyond, Rita was known for her nurturing demeanor, playful spirit (playing volleyball with all the neighbor kids), unforgettable baking, and rare balance of organization and flexibility.

Thrifty and industrious, she clipped coupons before her weekly grocery trips, had a compost bin before they were trendy, and sewed everything from her kids’ baby clothes and Halloween costumes to prom dresses and wedding gowns. She always made time to stay active, whether it was Jane Fonda workouts in the living room, long walks with Fred, or getting her exercise from mowing the lawn and tending her garden. Had Fitbits existed when she was raising seven children, her step count surely would have been off the charts.

Rita, along with Fred, loved cheering for their kids and grandkids at sporting events, hosting family gatherings, playing cards, and planning their annual vacations – whether they were traveling with seven kids in tow or just the two of them.

The same dedication and care she brought to her home life were also reflected in her faith. A lifelong member of the Catholic Church, she lived by the words of the Serenity Prayer and modeled patience and selflessness. Her prayer group was an important source of friendship and strength for much of her life. She cherished time with family and felt deep joy in meeting her great-grandson, Jude, earlier this year.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband, her seven siblings, and her sister- and brother-in-law Nancy and Dick Fletcher. She is survived by her four daughters and sons-in-law, Sue (Gregg) Soto, Barb (Mike) Mitchell, Patty (John) Nicholas, Becky (Johnathan) Graca; three sons and daughters-in-law, Carl (Karla), Bob (Alexis), Steve (Pam); nine grandchildren and one great-grandson. May she rest in eternal peace.

The viewing will take place at Westbrock Funeral Home, 1712 Wayne Avenue, Dayton on Sunday, October 26 from 3-5 PM and Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph Church, 411 E. 2nd Street, Dayton on Monday, October 27 at 10:00AM. The Mass will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/p/St-Joseph-Church-100064469568776/. Burial, Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Elizabeth New Life Center or Ohio Valley Hospice. Arrangements by the Westbrock Funeral Home, Dayton.