Rita M. Clausen, age 92, of Wauseon, passed away at her granddaughter's home, where she resided the past 2 ½ years, on Sunday, July 8, 2012 with her loving family by her side.  She was born in Hamler, OH on October 28, 1919 to the late Henry Erford and Mary (Mack) Erford.  Some of Rita's hobbies included gardening, farming, canning, playing cards, traveling and cooking.  Some of her most remembered food items were her sauerkraut and German potato salad, which she often provided for funeral luncheons.  Rita was a past president of the Rosary Altar Society and a 4H advisor for many years.  She enjoyed letter writing of which she possessed great penmanship.  Rita will also be remembered for her pillow making from feathers of ducks she raised at home.  She was also known for her talent of shooting wood chucks around the house.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband in 1982, Delmer Clausen; children, Ronald and Alan Clausen and Janet Gilbert; brothers, Reynold, Mack and John Erford;  granddaughter, Dannielle Maria Clausen; daughters-in-law, Doris Jane and Ruth Clausen; and son-in-law, Tom Gilbert.  Among those surviving are her sons, Larry (Cathy) Clausen of Wauseon, Roger Clausen of Delta, Gene (Karen) Clausen of Delta; brother, Arthur (Mary) Erford; sisters, Lenora Gerschutz, Jean Hammer, Margaret Zachrich, Eileen Reese and Mary Ann (James) Gebers; 21 grandchildren; 39 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren.  Family and friends may visit on Wednesday, July 11, 2012 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at Barnes Funeral Chapel, 5825 St Hwy 109 in Delta; with a Rosary Service at 7:30 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service from 10:00 – 11:00 AM on Thursday at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Assumption with a Mass of Resurrection beginning at 11:00 AM.  Fr. Ron Schock will be officiating. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Fatima Cemetery in Lyons.  Those wishing a show of sympathy are asked to consider contributions to a charity of the donor's choice in Rita's memory.  Online condolences may be sent to the family through our website at www.barnesfuneralchapel.com.

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