Rita Marie Hetzel

Rita Marie Hetzel, age 65, of Upper Sandusky, passed away on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the Blanchard Valley Hospital in Findlay, Ohio.

Rita was born on February 3, 1961, to Vincente T. and Maria (Coronado) Rodriguez, and married Kyle L. Hetzel on July 24, 1981, and he preceded her in death on December 5, 2020.

Rita is survived by her son, Brandon (Valarie) Hetzel, daughter Melissa (Todd) Roszman both of Upper Sandusky, 3 grandchildren, Gage and Cole Roszman, and Hunter Hetzel. Rita is also survived by her brother Vincent (Norma Jean) Rodriguez Jr. of Upper Sandusky, 4 sisters, Irene (the late Ralph) Bess of Harpster, Maria Rodriguez of Boerne, Texas, Beatrice (George) Human of Kirby, and Lisa (Robert) Johnson of Upper Sandusky.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents and brother Luis Rodriguez.

Rita graduated from Upper Sandusky High School in 1979 and started her working career at WYAN Radio Station. Rita later went to work at the Wyandot Manor for many years, and more recently worked at Fox Run in Findlay.

Loved decorating her house for the holidays, and her favorite CD was Kenny and Dolly’s Christmas CD. Rita enjoyed going shopping with her sisters, taking trips to New York and Amish Country. Rita enjoyed spending time with her cats, Sullivan and Pepper, visiting with her neighbors, and loved spending time with her grandsons. Rita also enjoyed going to ball games, watching the Ohio State Buckeyes, Detroit Tigers, and the Brady Bunch.

A celebration of life gathering for Rita and Kyle Hetzel will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 pm on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Lucas-Batton Funeral Home. The family requests casual Ohio State attire.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wyandot County Council on Aging or to Lucas-Batton to assist with funeral expenses, and can be sent to Lucas-Batton, 476 S. Sandusky Ave. Upper Sandusky.