Rita Ing, an avid reader of T&A, was well known in the Wyke community, both younger and older.
She sadly passed away on Monday from illness at the age of 82.
Since then, compliments have been flooded throughout social media, describing Rita as “a small ray of sunlight.”
Rita's son, Richard and his wife, Julie, reflected these feelings.
“She was always laughing.”
He states: “Early women are usually of the generation that don't joke around. She was full of them. She was like 40 when she was 80.
“She was one of those characters. You'll always see her shaking with a smile on her face.
“She was always laughing, no matter the weather or the situation.”
Julie added:
“It was her little smile. She was such a special woman. She was friends with everyone.
“She was small, but had a huge personality.”
“She stood out from your average 80.”
Rita started as an auxiliary nurse at St. Luke's Hospital.
She then moved to the printing industry for much of her job.
Rita was held in the window when her husband, Brian, passed away exactly 20 years ago. We had sons Richard and David together.
Richard added:
“She was a very well-known character in Wyke. Everyone knew her.
“From Spain to Scarborough, she's probably going to know people. Everyone fell in love with her. She had this infectious personality.”
Julie said: “She had this enthusiasm for life.
“She stood out from your average 80.”
Wyke's Pam's Place Cafe shared an inspiring tribute on its Facebook page.
“The world has lost its treasure. You will always miss the Reet.”
The post received a huge response, and many people shared their respect.
“Everyone knew who Rita was. She's such a lovely woman.”
Another tribute said, “The villages wouldn't be the same.”
One described her as having a “heart of gold,” and another compliment added, “Send love to the family, she is a lovely woman and will miss seeing her in the village.” Ta.
