About This Memory Space
This page was created for Rita M. Durham's family and friends as a place to remember them, to share stories, and to keep their memory close in everyday life.
It is cared for and added to over time by the people who knew them, and everyone is invited to contribute, whether that is a story, a photo, a few words, or a simple note.
Many families visit places like this not just once, but again and again, especially on quiet days or meaningful anniversaries. This page is here for those moments, wherever you are.
A place to return to when you want to feel close again, to remember a moment, or to leave a few words for others to read. Over time, it grows through the voices of everyone who knew and loved them.
Light a Candle Growing
Light a candle to honor Rita M. Durham's memory. Each lighting keeps their memory burning bright for 23 hours.
Candle lit burns 23 hours. Come back and light it again after 23 hours to keep the memory burning.
Limited to 5 lightings per hour to prevent abuse.
Memory Wall Growing
Stories, photos, and memories shared by people who knew Rita M. Durham. This is the heart of this space—a collection that grows as more people contribute.
No memories posted yet. Be the first to share a story or memory.
Life & Legacy
Rita M. Durham devoted her life to nurturing others, from school cafeterias to bus rides filled with children's laughter, leaving behind a tapestry of joyful memories and unbreakable family ties.
Born in Indianapolis to Ralph Rogers and Alta Rose, Rita grew up embracing the rhythms of everyday life in her hometown. She navigated her path with a steady hand, graduating from Ben Davis High School before channeling her energies into roles that brought comfort and care to those around her. Retirement didn't slow her down; instead, it opened new doors to assist young students, turning routine commutes into cherished adventures she recounted with delight.
Rita served as a dietician and manager at Southport High School, ensuring students thrived on nourishing meals. In her post-retirement years, she excelled as a bus assistant, guiding children safely to and from school while fostering their sense of security and fun along the way.
Photos of Life
Family & Loved Ones
Rita poured her boundless energy into creating a vibrant family circle that spanned generations and step-relations alike. She was predeceased by her husband Jim Durham and son Darrell Martin, yet her spirit endures through son David Martin, daughters Diane Jones and Linda Schmidt, stepdaughter Tammy Page, and stepson Jimmy Durham. Her joy multiplied with six granddaughters—Kayla Martin, Brittany Baliga, Ashley Durham, Jenna Schmidt, Kelly Schmidt, and Wendi Tomlison—and nine grandsons: Dylan Vondersaar, Dallas Vondersaar, Bryan Schmidt, Darren Johnson, Brandon Johnson, Jason Hamersley, Corey Hamersly, Anthony Ramon, and James Durham—plus 21 great-grandchildren who carry forward her gentle guidance and infectious enthusiasm.
Remembered by Friends & Family
Tributes from Rita's wide network underscore her knack for brightening young lives and weaving tight-knit family bonds, with many recalling her endless patience and the sparkle she brought to ordinary moments.
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