Mrs. Routh was born on May 13, 1928 in Andover to Harold and Marie (Ordiway) Perry. She was a 1946 graduate of Andover Central School. Rita lived the majority of her life in Randleman, N.C. where she met Thomas C. Routh and in March of 1968 married him. Tom predeceased her on Aug. 7, 2017.
Rita was the cafeteria manager for Randleman High School for many years. Previously, she worked alongside her husband at a restaurant they owned in Wellsville and later at the Circle Inn Restaurant and the Jitterburger, both in Randleman and before that she worked at the Andover Silk Mill.
Rita is survived by two sons, Wayne (Judi) Grant of Andover and Danny (Dawn) Grant of Asheboro, N.C.; one daughter, Patricia Ann (Phyllis) Routh of Fuquay-Varina, N.C.; three step-daughters, Judy (Harry) Kassell of Randleman, Susan Glenn of Augusta, Ga. and Patsy Culbreth of High Point, N.C.; a sister, Phyllis Grimes of Portville; a brother, Kenneth Perry of Randleman; a brother-in-law, Vincent Burrows of Andover and a sister-in-law, Ione Perry of Silver Creek.
Additionally, she is survived by 12 grandchildren, Danielle Grant, Misti Grant, Mindi Grant Graham, Seth (Shelly) Grant, Melissa Grant, Starr Grant, Trevor (Heather) Grant, Brad (Summer) Sink, Heather (Jason) Cusher, Brent (Victor) Knott, Trey (Brianna) Glenn, and Michael (Caroline) Glenn; one grand-son-in-law, Pete Graham; 20 great grandchildren, Zayden Grant, Kylee Grant, Logan Graham, Madison Graham, Peyton Graham. William Grant, Lydia Grant, Destiny Grant, Cameron Grant, Dasia Grant, Kiara Grant, Kanbree Grant, Ayden Grant, Brooks Sink, Jordan Sink, Hayden Knott, Emerson Knott, Liam Knott, Reese Knot, Boyce Knott, Collins Glenn, Thomas Glenn and Graham Glenn; one great great grandson, Ashton Grant; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her husband Tom, she was predeceased by two brothers, Robert (Jean) Perry and Keith Perry; three sisters, Kathrine (Myrlan) Phillipson, Aletha Hahn and Norma Burrows.
Rita truly enjoyed her life as a mother and grandmother. She would spend every summer back in Andover with her parents, Grampa and Gramma Perry, picking strawberries and hanging out with her siblings. The holidays were extra special when all the family would gather together, alternating between Randleman and Andover. She was quite famous for her Christmas fudge.
Rita also loved to travel. She and Tom enjoyed going to Gatlinburg, Williamsburg, Gettysburg or even taking an extended trip out West with her sister and brother-in-law, Norma and Vince Burrows. A couple of her favorite pastimes was a short day trip to the Raleigh Flea Market, spending the time with family or the weekly Friday night games of cards and dominoes.
The quiet side of Rita would often draw her to the solitude of her flower and vegetable garden. She also enjoyed working word searches or reading an exciting mystery novel.
Visitation will be held on Sunday (today) from 5-7 p.m. and Monday from 10-11 a.m. at Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover. The memorial service will be held on Monday at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home immediately following the visitation with Rev. Christian Mattison of the Andover Presbyterian Church officiating. A graveside burial service will be held in Randolph Memorial Park in Asheboro, N.C. at a date to be determined.
Memorial contributions in Rita’s name may be made to Andover Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 714, Andover, NY 14806, Andover Rescue Squad, PO Box 726, Andover, NY 14806 or Andover Free Library, PO Box 745, Andover, NY 14806.
