Rita D (Sterling) Oliver

Rita D. (Sterling) Oliver, 66, of Titusville, peacefully passed away with her family by her side on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Rita was born in Titusville, PA, on September 23, 1959, the daughter of the late Donna M. (Lynch) Sterling and Kenneth A. Sterling.

She was a graduate of Titusville High School, Class of 1978 and the J.H. Thompson Academy cosmetology school in Erie.

She opened Sterling Stylists in 1979 with her brother, Ken. After over a decade in the hairstyling business, she later became a phlebotomist at Titusville Area Hospital. She married Dr. J. Richard Oliver in Titusville on July 30, 1999, and remained his steadfast partner and caregiver until his death in 2020.

In her youth, she spent many evenings roller-skating at Miller's Roller Drome. Rita enjoyed cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers, rocking a great pair of eyewear, spending time with family and friends, and doting on her many cherished dogs and cats throughout her life. She bravely battled multiple health issues, including being a proud open heart surgery survivor.

She is survived by numerous loved ones, including her sister Heather Sterling Hilburn, brother-in-law John Hilburn, nieces Jessica and Juliet Hilburn; sister-in-law Celine Sterling, niece Amy (Sterling) West, nephew Kenneth F. Sterling, and numerous great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by many close friends, including Billy, Jen, and Jen's family.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, Kenneth L. Sterling.

Friends who would like to celebrate Rita's memory may make memorials to an animal rescue of their choice.

A private service will be held by the family.
 

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