Rita J. Macumber

Rita Jane (Walsh) Macumber

Rita J. Macumber, 75, of Deposit, New York, went home to be with the Lord on April 22, 2026. After a long and courageous battle with cancer, she passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family.

Born November 9, 1950, in Manhattan, New York, Rita was the daughter of Thomas and Mary Regina (Hawkins) Walsh. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, Kenneth; her granddaughter, Mindy; her son-in-law, Butch; her parents; her sister, Jeannie Hammell; and her special aunt, Francine (“Aunt Francie”).

Rita grew up in the Bronx with her siblings, Peter, Tommy, and Jeannie. In 1968, her family moved to Deposit, where she completed her senior year at Deposit Central School, graduating in 1969. It was there she met the love of her life, Kenneth Wallace Macumber. They were married on April 11, 1970, and built a beautiful life together, raising three children and sharing 54 years of devoted marriage.

Rita is survived by her children: Jeanne and Owen, Kenneth and Jennifer, and Lorraine and Dicky; and her cherished grandchildren, Amanda, Joey, Kenny, AnneMarie, and Kaitlyn. She is also survived by her siblings, Peter and Miriam, and Thomas and Ruth; along with many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends, including her lifelong friends and beloved cousins, Robert and Jane Macumber.

Rita lived a life defined by kindness, compassion, and an unwavering love for others. She had a gentle spirit and a truly generous heart, always putting those she loved before herself. Her home was a place of comfort and belonging, where everyone was welcomed with open arms and made to feel like family.

She found her greatest joy in time spent together—gathered around the table, sharing laughter and creating memories over games like Skip-Bo, Pinochle, and Aggravation, or simply enjoying a meal or a cup of coffee. To Rita, these simple moments were everything, a reflection of how deeply she treasured connection and togetherness.

In her later years, her grandchildren became the center of her world—the true light of her life. She cherished each one dearly, surrounding them with endless love, encouragement, and tender care. Her heart had no limits; she extended that same genuine love and care far beyond her immediate family, embracing her children’s friends, their children, and all who entered her life with a warmth that made everyone feel instantly at home. To know “Grandma Rita” was to feel truly seen, deeply valued, and wholeheartedly loved.

Rita’s kindness, gentle nature, and loving heart touched everyone who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed as a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.

Interment will take place at Laurel Hill Cemetery, followed by a celebration honoring the lives of Rita and Kenneth on June 13, 2026, at Sherman Bible Chapel.