Rita Jean Osbourn Walker Hitchcock, passed away Friday, February 13, 2026 with her son and daughter by her side. She was born May 16, 1942, in Sistersville, West Virginia. She was the cherished daughter of Ernest Raymond Osbourn and Helen Louise Wilcox Osbourn and was raised in Middlebourne, West Virginia.
Rita graduated from Tyler County High School in 1960, where she was voted “Best Girl Musician” by her graduating class, a reflection of her remarkable musical gifts that would define much of her life. She attended Salem College in Salem, West Virginia, and later Texas Western College (now The University of Texas at El Paso), majoring in music. While living in El Paso, she served as a supervisor for a children’s day nursery at Fort Bliss, Texas.
Throughout her life, Rita faithfully served in children’s and music ministries. She was a Children’s Choir Director at the Methodist Church in Mount Vernon, Ohio, and after moving to Mansfield, Ohio in 1971, she continued serving as Children’s Choir Director at First United Methodist Church. She also sang for over 20 years in the choir at First Congregational Church in Mansfield. Rita was also a proud, life member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter 50 of New Martinsville, WV.
Her love of music extended into the community as well. Rita sang with the Mansfield Symphony Chorus, the Mansfield Symphony, the Ashland Symphony Chorus, and participated in Christian service programs throughout the area. Music was not simply a hobby — it was one of the great joys and callings of her life.
In the late 1970s, Rita returned to school and graduated from The Ohio State University, with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. She went on to teach 5th grade at Brinkerhoff Elementary School in Mansfield City Schools for 25 years, retiring in 2005. She often incorporated music into her classroom, enriching the lives of her students with creativity and song.
Rita’s greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was her family. She often said her most precious gifts were the love she had for her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her son, Gary Daniel Walker (Rhonda) and their children: Hunter Scott Harris and Heath Alan Harris; her daughter, Katherine Dianne Walker Amstutz and her children: Alexandria Paige Amstutz and Nicholas Scott Amstutz; her sister, Helen Dianne Scott and her brother, Ernest William Osbourn. She is also lovingly remembered by many cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband David Owen Walker; and her second husband, Thomas David Hitchcock, with whom she shared many special years.
Rita will be remembered for her servant’s heart, her steady faith, her lifelong dedication to children and education, and the beautiful music she carried in her soul. Her life was one of faithful service, joyful song, and enduring love.
Family and friends may gather on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 11:00 am-12:00 pm at the First Congregational Church, 640 Millsboro Rd. Memorial service will follow at noon with Pastor Brad Bunn officiating. Rita will be laid to rest in the First Congregational Church Columbarium. As Rita would wish for her love and legacy of music to continue, please make memorial contributions in honor of her to First Congregational Church of Mansfield to benefit the Music Department.
Wappner Funeral Directors-Mansfield is honored to serve the Hitchcock family with their arrangements.
