Delena Edwards-Ritacco
L&G
Lewis & Gillum Funeral Homes
28 Harding Ave., Jackson, Ohio 45640
(e) lewisgillumfh@gmail.com /
(p) 740-286-2010/740-682-6696
(w) www.lewisgillum.com
Delena Edwards-Ritacco, age 83, passed away peacefully the afternoon of November 30, 2022, surrounded by her daughters. Delena was born March 19th, 1938, daughter of the late Earl and Virla Marie McDaniel.
She is survived by her daughters, Tamara Queen (Randy Queen) and Angela Skinner (Mike Skinner); grandsons, Justin Queen (Genna Queen), Jonathon Queen, Jamie Skinner, Dustin Skinner (Ashlee Skinner); great grandsons, Cash Queen, Bristol Skinner, Brayden Skinner, Dylan Weeks and great granddaughter, Maiken Queen; brother, William McDaniel, and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Gary McDaniel; first husband, Larry Edwards and second husband later in life, Robert Ritacco.
Delena was a beloved mother and grandmother known for her beautiful smile, infectious laugh, and feisty attitude. She was a delightful recipe of an engaging personality, with a little splash of sass. She was born in Morgan County, Kentucky, but as a toddler her father was recruited to manage a large farm in Fairborn, Ohio when WWII broke out. After her father retired, the family moved to Southeastern, Ohio, and that’s where she met and married the love of her life – Larry Edwards.
She worked as a cosmetologist managing and owning multiple salons over the course of her career. She enjoyed her career very much, but her true passion was spending time and caring for her grandchildren and great grandchildren – where she inherited many loving nicknames such as DeDe, GG, Grandma, and was often accused of being a partner in crime to her grand and great grandchildren.
Delena had a zest for life and a deep love of her family and faith. She was a steward of her religion, and she made sure to encourage her family and friends about the love and teachings of Jesus, which she daily backed up in prayer.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, December 4th, 2022, from 12:30-2PM at the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home of Jackson. Funeral services will follow at 2PM to celebrate her life. Burial will follow at C.M. Cemetery in Oak Hill, Ohio. Online condolences may be sent to www.lewisgillum.com.
We also invite any friends and family that attend to help the family decorate a Christmas tree to celebrate Delena’s love of the holidays by remembering her passion for life with an ornament.