Obituary of Rita E. Acker

CANISTEO: Rita E. Acker, 77, formerly of Jackson Street in Canisteo, passed away Saturday, February 6, 2021 at Hornell Gardens where she had resided since 2018. Born in Hornell on February 13, 1943, Rita was the daughter of the late Lester and Frances (Hamilton) Erway. She was a graduate of Troupsburg Central School. Rita worked at Westinghouse Electric Company, later Philips Electric, for 42 years, retiring in 2004. She enjoyed gardening, playing Euchre, crocheting and crafts, and while a resident at Hornell Gardens, developed a deep affinity for tie-dye t-shirts. Much to her son-in-law’s chagrin, Rita was an avid NY Yankees fan. She was a strong, stubborn, funny spit-fire, who never met a dog she didn’t love. She will be sadly missed by both her human and canine family and friends. In addition to her parents, Rita was predeceased by an infant brother, Neil Dean Erway; her daughter, Sherri Dietrich; and special nephew, Richard Erway. Rita is survived by her children and their spouses, Terri and Daniel Sills of Canisteo and Ronald and Jay (Boot) Acker of Guerneville, CA; son-in-law, John Dietrich, Jr. of Alfred; three beautiful granddaughters, Amanda (Ryan) Welch of Miller Place, Danee Dietrich of Alfred, Catie Dietrich of Washington, DC; step-grandchildren, Heather Sills of Hornell, Justin Sills of Canisteo; great-grandchildren Michael and Emily Welch; her brother, William (Audra) Erway and sister, Roberta (Leon) Acker; best friend, Kathy (Tim) Suk and several nieces, nephews and cousins. A celebration of life and memorial service will be planned when it is safe to gather. If desired, memorial contributions can be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Rd, Hornell, NY 14843 or www.hornellanimalshelter.org/donate.html.