Rita K. Dietz, 80, passed away on January 30, 2017. She was born on Feb. 9, 1936 to Margaret and James E. Platts in Detroit, Michigan. Those who knew her will always remember how proud she was of her children and grandchildren. She instilled in them a strong work ethic and the importance of maintaining a strong family bond.

For many years, Rita Dietz was a military wife who had the opportunity to travel abroad and throughout the United States. Of all the places she visited, England was her favorite. Even in her later years, she spoke fondly of the beautiful English countryside and grand castles. Rita Dietz made many English lifelong friends with whom she continued to correspond over the years. Upon being stationed in the United States, she pursued a career in food service and retired from AAFES in 1991. Rita Dietz consistently delivered such friendly customer service that she received the AAFES award for Most Courteous Employee.

In her spare time, Rita enjoyed reading, cooking, watching Jeopardy, and playing Scrabble. From an early age, she was an avid pet lover who enjoyed caring for and spending time with her dogs and cats.

Left to cherish her memory are her three children, Richard K. Dietz (spouse, Alma), Terri Dietz, and Ronald Dietz (spouse, Silvia). Rita Dietz was the grandmother of five grandchildren, Monica Klein (spouse, Mark), Richard A. Dietz (spouse, Linda), Robert A. Dietz, Elijah Dietz, and Isaiah Dietz. She was also the great grandmother of seven grandchildren, Andrew, Noah, Gabriel, Madison, Natalie, Richard, and Robert.

Rita Dietz will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

A memorial service will be conducted at 6 pm, Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home 245 S. Armistead Ave, Hampton.