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Rita Jo Dawson (nee Burnett)
December 11, 1951 - May 6, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Rita Jo Dawson (Burnett). Rita was born on December 11, 1951, to Thelma (Hacker) and Paul D. Burnett. She is preceded in death by them both, along with her brother, and dear friend, Charles Burnett. She will be forever remembered by her son, Bradley Pennington (Jennifer), her daughter Rebecca Saylor, her grandchildren Stephanie Pennington, Shawn Simms, Wesley Saylor, Ashleigh Saylor and two great grandchildren Kellin Simms and Amara Pennington. Rita never met a stranger in all her 73 years. This charisma led to many successful careers ranging from a professional art framer in a prestigious Cincinnati gallery to several jobs in the retail and service industry. She loved people, and they loved her in return. She would share a cup of HOT coffee with anyone! Rita was an avid gamer and spent countless hours making friends in her online worlds. Over the last few decades, she found a relationship with God that would become a guiding light for her path. All that love her hope this light brings her the eternal peace she was so passionate to find.
Family and friends are invited to visit on Friday, June, 13, 5-7 PM at T.P. White & Sons Funeral Home (2050 Beechmont Ave.).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
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