Rita Pike Strange

Rita Pike Strange, 88, of Louisville, passed away peacefully at her home December 16, 2016 with her family by her side. Born the eighth of eleven children to the late William Paul and Mary Marx Pike, Rita's passion for family came at an early age. Rita retired from the Jefferson County Public School system and was a member of the Fairview Homemaker’s Club for many years. She will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her love of reading and for her beautiful arts and crafts for which she received numerous local and state awards. Besides her parents, Rita was preceded in death by her loving husband of 54 years, Charles F. Strange, Sr.; daughter Elizabeth Ann Tharpe; great-grandsons Jordan Strange and Jeremiah Strange; and her brothers and sisters Anna Elizabeth Glass, Frances Euer, Denis Pike Sr., Joseph Pike Sr., Ella Moskowitz, Loretta Israel, and George Pike. Left to cherish her memory are her five children: Charles F. Strange, Jr. (Carol); William P. Strange, Sr. (Linda); Michael L. Strange, Sr.; Mark S. Strange (Pauline) and Barbara J. Gardner (David); eleven grandchildren: Rebecca Johnston (Chuck), Katie Keen (Steve), William Strange, Jr. (Kim), Melissa Snively (Curtis), Michael Strange, Jr. (Heather), Emma Strange (Jacob), Anthony Benningfield, Amanda Banks, Matthew Gardner, Diana Gardner and Ryan Gardner; twenty great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; sisters Patricia Zeller and Martha Stober (Marvin); brother Anthony Eugene Pike (Betty); and a host of extended family members and friends. A funeral mass will be held 10am Tuesday at St. Brigid Catholic Church, 1520 Hepburn Ave. with a graveside service to follow at Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday 2-8pm, and a prayer service will be held Tuesday at 9am at Arch L. Heady & Son, 8519 Preston Hwy. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Hosparus. Please visit our website www.archlheadypreston.com to leave condolences for the family.