Rita Marie Hirkala
April 9, 1930 ~ January 6, 2017
Rita M. Hirkala, 86, of Weirton, WV, passed away Friday, January 6, 2017, at Weirton Medical Center.
Born April 9, 1930, in Mingo Junction, OH, she was a daughter of the late John and Theresa Matsko Garish. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Andrew James Hirkala on April 3, 1986; a brother, Dr. Francis Garish and her two sisters, Edna Hudachek and Joanne Hudacheck.
Rita started her career at Gill Memorial Hospital in the Medical Records Department, prior to raising her family. When her children were of school age, she went back to work in the Business Office of Saint John's Hospital in Steubenville, OH.
She was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, Christian Mothers, and the Weirton BPW
She is survived by her 5 sons, Richard (Vicki), Patrick, Kenneth (Laura) and James Hirkala (Barbie), all of Weirton, and Andrew Hirkala of Boca Raton, FL; 2 daughters Kathleen Hirkala and Patricia Hans (Jeff), of Weirton; 3 grandchildren, Matthew, Corey (Samantha) and Natalie Hirkala (Cole Petrelle).
Visitation will be held 1-3 and 6-8 PM Monday at Greco Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton, WV. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 AM Tuesday at St. Joseph the Worker Church 229 California Avenue Weirton, WV. Reverend Father Dennis Schuelkens, Jr. will officiate.
Interment will follow in St. Paul Cemetery, Weirton.
Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Joseph the Worker Grade School Technology Fund or Weirton Madonna High School.
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Patty,I am so sorry to here about your Mom.May she RIP.
Jimmy & Barbie, and all your family, so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Patty and family-so very sorry to read this news. It’s hard to lose your mom- praying for you during this difficult time..
We’re so sorry to hear of Aunt Rita’s passing. We are sending prayers for comfort and strength to help you through this difficult time. Love, Bobby & Mary Jo Otey
We’re so sorry to hear about Aunt Rita’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I have very fond memories of all of us gathering around the table at the Hudachek’s house where we were entertained by all the funny stories and jokes told by Aunt Rita, Patti, Edna and Joco. I am blessed to have been apart of that. Much love and Peace in Christ, Starla Hudachek
Kathy and family, So sorry to hear about your Mom. Remember all the memories to get you through this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Our deepest sympathy to you Richard and your family.
My last memory of your mom will be her eating cake and laughing…….with all of you with her at the Christmas party! Thanks for the memory! May God grant peace to each and everyone of you as He welcomes your mom into her forever home.
Patty, Kathy and family so sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. She was also my neighbor. Please accept my deepest sympathy and condolences in this time of sorrow.
“Jim’s Mom” was truly a saint on earth. She raised seven (that seemed more like 50) kids and kept her sanity! She always had a sense of humor, always made enough food for even friends of her kids to show up and eat. And always was a beacon of faith and goodwill to anyone she came into contact with. We all can learn from her. It certainly was a gift from God to have known her.
Hirkala family: I am so sorry to read the loss of your mother. I was just emailing my cousin Chris (Front) of how many neighbors we have lost (‘kids’ and recently Ada Tonacchio)…it’s so hard to loose friends, but family members hit the heart so much harder. I never knew your mom, but she had to have been an angel w/all you kids! God bless you and your families at this time.
Dear Hirkala Family, I am so sorry to hear about Aunt Rita’s Passing. My Deepest Sympathy and Prayers to all the Family. I am remembering all the great times we had together, telling stories, laughing and the crazy trips to Cape Cod. Sending Love to you all. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Rich and family, so sad to hear about the passing of your mom, she was a wonderful lady and a good friend to my mom. you are all in my prayers
Rich, Kathy, Pat, Corey and the entire Hirkala family. On behalf of The Spinella Family, I want to extend our deepest sympathy on your loss. I can still remember Kathy taking her to Starvaggi Pool. She really enjoyed spending time there. Sorry I could not make it to pay my respects.
So sorry to hear of the passing of your Mother. May you all find peace in your memories. And know that she is now in the loving hands of her maker. May she Rest In Peace.
Dear RIchard and Jim and families, I am so sorry to just learn of your mother’s passing. My deepest sympathies to all the Hirkala Families. She is now in God’s loving care.
Hirkala family I am so sorry for your loss. I just saw this today. Your mom was such a lovely lady and i know in my heart that she will be with the Lord today. My heart breaks at this news. I always looked forward to seeing her in mass and hoped that nothing had happened. I will be praying for all of you and know that you have my sincere condolences