Rita Maria Bailor, née D’Ottaviano, 72, of Lebanon, passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital, with her loving husband, Daniel P. Bailor, by her side, holding her hand.
Born in Philadelphia, PA, on Sept. 8, 1953, she was a daughter of the late Michael D’Ottaviano and Norma Bacher. Rita devoted herself wholeheartedly to her faith, finding joy and purpose in serving the Lord. Her passion for ministry inspired many, as she shared her love for God. She loved playing the piano and enjoyed many genres of music. Her green thumb was evident in both the beautiful outdoor flower beds and her array of indoor flowers and plants.
In addition to her husband, Rita is survived by her children, Paul M. Palmer (Monica), Amy E. Palmer, Carolyn A. Palmer, and Laura K. (Bailor) Batoon (Marc); grandchildren, Isabella, Asher, Raiden, and Emmalyn; sister and brothers, Anita (D’Ottaviano) Smith (Michael), Michael D’Ottaviano (Diana), and Monty D’Ottaviano; sisters-in-law, Debra (Bailor) Stamper (Randy) and Suzanne (Bailor) Rivera (Rick); and many loving nieces and nephews.
Memorial service will be held at 12 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Thompson Funeral Home Inc., 126 S. 9th St., Lebanon, PA 17042. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. A funeral procession will depart the funeral home at 9:15 a.m. Please gather at the funeral home between 9 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. to depart for the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Rita’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 (stjude.org). The family welcomes your memories and messages in Thompson Funeral Home’s online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com.
