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Rita Maxine Robinson Whitman, 78, of Willoughby, Ohio, formerly of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, passed away Thursday, September 26, 2024. She was born January 17, 1946, in Washington, NC to the late John Hyman Warren, and Mamie (Harrison) Warren-Rowe.  She graduated from Washington High School in 1964.  At different times, Rita was a veterinary technician, an airline stewardess, and more recently, sold real estate for several years before her retirement.  She had a great eye for antiques, collectibles, and fabrics, and often found treasures at estate sales.  She was artistic and loved the fine arts but was also a diehard Cleveland sports fan.  She had a special affinity for Tom Brady, and always rooted for the underdog in sports.  She was also very informed about current events in the news, politics, and legal matters.  She loved animals and she never met a stranger. She was one of a kind.

She will be sadly missed by her sons, Brent Howard (Lydia) Robinson, and Chadwick Donald (Kelly) Robinson, sister, Jean Warren Woolard, her grandchildren, Aurora and William Robinson, along with many nieces and nephews.  Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Whitman, brother Kenneth Warren, and sisters, Irene Hudack, Nodie-Bell Staley, Mildred Alligood, Brenda Peele, and Doris Moate.

A family memorial service will be held in North Carolina at a future date.

Please consider donating to the Animal Protective League in her honor. https://clevelandapl.org/honor-memorial-donations/

1729 Willey Avenue | Cleveland, OH 44113 | Phone: 216-771-4616 | Email: contact@clevelandapl.org

Sly Family Funeral Home in Middlefield assisted her family with arrangements.

Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.slyffh.com.