Rita Spitzer nee Jackson, age 77, of Hammond, passed away Tuesday, August 28, 2012. Beloved Wife of the late Gerald D. Spitzer. Loving Mother of David (Carol) Spitzer, Deborah (Joseph) Sanchez, and Tom Spitzer. Cherished Sister of Sonia (Everett) Workman, Vera (Charles) Jeter, Cheryl (Tom) Knipe, and Bob (Shirley) Jackson. Proud Grandmother of Christopher Spitzer, Benjamin Spitzer, Kaeleigh Sanchez, Kelsey Sanchez. Dearest Great-Grandmother Beloved Aunt of numerous nieces and nephews. Rita was a teacher at Scott, Gavit, and Morton High Schools. She was an Administrator at Wilson School. She was active with the Teachers Bowling League and the PTA Rita served on numerous state and local committees for educational programs. She served on the Hammond Park Board in all positions including President. She was a panel member of The Times forum discussion as an educational liaison. She taught and directed several children's ministries. She was a Girl Scout leader and was a member of the Republican Women's Club in all positions. Rita was active in the Republican Party on city, county, and state and national levels. She was the Republican candidate for Mayor of the City of Hammond. She was a volunteer for Hospice of the Calumet Area. Rita was a 10 year breast cancer survivor. She was a masterful seamstress, needlepointer, and excelled in all types of arts and crafts. She was an avid Bears, Sox, and Bulls fan and loved watching golf. Funeral Service Saturday, September 1, 2012 at 11 AM at LaHAYNE FUNERAL HOME, 6955 Southeastern Ave., Hammond, IN. Interment will follow at Memory Lane Memorial Park, Crown Point, IN. Friends are invited to meet with the Family Friday, August 31, 2012 from 3 PM until 9 PM at LaHAYNE FUNERAL HOME, 6955 Southeastern Ave. Hammond. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hospice of the Calumet Area. For further information regarding services, please contact LaHAYNE FUNERAL HOME at 219/ 845-3600.