Obituary of Rita Lou Arisman

Rita Lou Arisman, 75, of 3260 Fluvanna-Townline Road, passed away peacefully at 1:45 a.m. Thursday, July 12, 2012 at Heritage Green Rehab & Skilled Nursing. She was born in Erie, Pa. on February 5, 1937 and graduated from Bemus Point High School in 1955. Rita had served as custodian of Bemus Point United Methodist Church for 30 years. She was also a member of the church and active in United Methodist Women. She was a dear friend and servant to the whole church and entire church staff. Rita was a woman of strong faith and a dependable, hard worker. She always whistled as she worked and was continually doing things for others. She enjoyed gardening, music and dancing, particularly to the bands Happy Days and Willow Creek. Rita loved all of her dogs, especially "the Boys". Surviving is her daughter, Debbie Arisman, who held first place in Rita's heart; two brothers, Larry (Barb) Swan of Jamestown and Ronney (Jackie) Swan of Sherman; several nieces and nephews; and her former husband, Bruce Arisman of Jamestown. She was preceded in death by her father, Louis Swan; her mother, Loretta Lord Swan Melin; and her step-father, Harold Melin. The funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday at Bemus Point United Methodist Church. The Rev. Daniel G. McBride will officiate. Burial will be in Fluvanna Cemetery. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in the Lind Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Bemus Point United Methodist Church, 4954 Bemus-Ellery Rd., Bemus Point, NY 14712.