Rita Ann Brannaman, 95, of Solon, passed away on Friday, October 25, 2024, at the Solon Care Center.  Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Solon.  Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 31, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church.  Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery.  Brosh Chapel and the Avacentre in Solon will be assisting the family at this time.

Rita was born on April 10, 1929, in Solon, the daughter of Lovell and Geneva (Holland) Randall. She graduated from Solon High School, class of 1947, and was chosen Homecoming Queen during her senior year. Rita was united in marriage to Don Brannaman on May 11, 1948, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Solon. She worked as a Volunteer at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City and as school secretary at Solon High School for many years. Rita worked on gathering senior composite pictures from every graduating class and having them displayed in the school. She enjoyed working on the farm, raising chickens, planning family gatherings, especially on Labor Day, and spending time with her family. When her children were married, she and Don planned and hosted the wedding receptions at the farm. Rita and Don were Foster Parents to many children in need and in 1970 -71 hosted a Foreign Exchange Student. Rita was an active member of the Solon community. She was a Charter Member of the Solon Women's Club, starting the first Solon Library in the basement of the Bandstand. Rita was active in the Solon Legion Auxiliary, where she worked on the Freedom Rock project, Girl's State recognition plaque, and organized the annual "Mr. and Mrs. Turkey" Supper. As an active member of St. Mary's Church, she sang in St. Mary's Church choir and worked at many funeral dinners. She served on the Solon Senior Advocates Committee and organized Bingo at the Solon Care Center. She was also a member of the Sutliff Bridge Authority and worked on many fundraising projects to save the Sutliff Bridge.

Rita is survived by her children Sue (Ed) Dvorak, Randy Brannaman, John (Nancy) Brannaman and Jan (Tom) Krall; eight grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law Mary Brannaman, as well as her cousins, Kay and Karen Kessler, Mary Lou (Ron) Volesky, Virginia Wilson, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, an infant son, a great-grandson, and her sister Mary Jean Randall.

Memorials may be directed to the family.