Rita Lynn Baughman

Rita Lynn Baughman, 72, of Nelsonville, was called to the Lord, surrounded by family, on October 14, 2025. She was born on August 3, 1953, in Nelsonville, the only daughter of the late Bernard and Roberta (Taylor) Carter. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Robert “Bob” Baughman.

Rita was a 1971 graduate of Nelsonville-York High School and was a proud member of the marching band throughout her time there. She enjoyed returning to support the Nelsonville-York band when her children were in school. After high school, she attended Hocking College, then known as Tri-County Technical Institute, and became a Licensed Practical Nurse. Rita worked many places before her retirement, including Kimes Nursing and Rehab Center, Logan Healthcare, Doctors Hospital, and local doctors’ offices.

Rita and Bob married on September 27, 1975. They were excited to be able to plan a big celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary this year.

Rita loved to travel. It was a dream of hers to travel to Alaska, and one that she was thankfully able to make a reality recently. Sometimes she liked to stay closer to home, taking the family on annual trips to Pymatuning State Park, which her kids remember fondly. When Rita traveled without her family, she was known to bring back a little gift or knick-knack for just about everyone. Giving gifts was one of the ways she showed her unwavering love to everyone around her.

When she was relaxing at home, Rita enjoyed crocheting or reading a good book. On Ohio State game days, though, she could be found cheering on her team from the living room. She loved playing cards every week with her “card ladies”.

Rita’s biggest hobby was being a wonderful mother to her three children, Robert (Patricia) Baughman, Rebecca (Jared) Bunting, and Randy (Sierra Paige) Baughman, who survive. In addition to her husband and children, Rita is survived by her grandchildren, Ross Baughman, Camden Bunting, and Carter Bunting; brothers, Donald E. (Kimberly) Carter, Gary M. (Barbara) Carter, and Roger D. (Lisa) Carter; a large extended family who loved her dearly; and very special neighbors of over 50 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bernard and Roberta Carter.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Souers-Cardaras Funeral Home, 46 Fayette St., Nelsonville, with Pastor Yahreen Collins officiating and services by the Hocking County Nurse Honor Guard. Interment will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Nelsonville. Family and friends may visit from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm Friday and one hour prior to the service Saturday at the funeral home.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made in memory of Rita to the Nelsonville Food Cupboard, 1950 Mt. St. Marys Dr., Nelsonville, Ohio 45764.

Please sign her online guestbook at www.cardaras.com