Rita Burkhart
Rita Marie Burkhart, 88 of Zanesville, died 12:04 AM, Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Genesis Morrison House. She was born Wednesday, August 4, 1937, in Zanesville, the daughter of Roy Paul and Florence (Leddy) Paul. She married James P. Burkhart on Saturday, August 11, 1956, and was a dedicated member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church.
Rita was the executive director of the Perry County Senior Center for many years. She was a volunteer with the Muskingum County Library System, and the St Nicholas Catholic Church Bereavement Luncheon Committee.
She was a loving and caring wife, mother, and grandmother, who greatly enjoyed the time she spent with her family. She was very proud of her grandchildren and was active in all their endeavors. Rita also loved genealogy and tracing the family history, traveling.
Rita is survived by one daughter, Jean (Roger) Goodin; four sons, Phillip (Karen) Burkhart, Stephen (Cindy) Burkhart, Patrick (Karen) Burkhart and Joseph (Peach) Burkhart; several grandchildren, several grandchildren Alex (Victoria Sellers) Burkhart, Andrew (Courtney) Burkhart, Alyssa (Darian Anderson) Burkhart, Austin (Emma), Shelly (Mike) Sowers, Stacy Burkhart, Stephanie Burkhart, Brittany (Tom) Ross, Kristopher (Stephanie) Burkhart, Dash (Ashlee) McNeal, Tiffany Savage, Jessica (Tyler) Davisson, Rachel (Zach) Russell, and Shannon (Greg) Mentzer and 28 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild, on the way; one brother, James Lee (Katherine) Paul; several nieces and nephews, and one sister-in-law, Jeanne Paul.
In addition to her parents, Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Burkhart; one great grandson, Bradyn Bever, and five siblings, Thomas & Margaret Paul, Richard Paul, Eugene Paul, Virginia & Charles Elmore, and Marjorie & Jack Connell.
Rita’s family would like to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to Lynn Wordon, Tina Bray, Marylyn Mock, Tammy Gossett, Linda Robison, Jane Sabbe, and the staff of Genesis Morrison House Hospice and Genesis Palliative Care for the care and attention given to Rita during her illness.
Friends may call 5:00 to 8:00 PM, Thursday, July 23, 2026, at the Hillis Combs Funeral Home, 935 Forest Avenue, Zanesville. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 AM, Friday, July 24, 2026, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 925 East Main Street, Zanesville, with Fr. Donald Abii as celebrant. Rita will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband in Mt. Olive Cemetery. To sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note of condolence please visit www.hilliscombsfh.com.
