INDIANAPOLIS — Rita Sue Sheridan, 85, of Indianapolis, died June 23, 2017. She was born Aug. 22, 1931 in Princeton, the daughter of Francis Vitus and Susan Francis Sheridan. Siblings Patricia A. Sheridan, Joan E. Sheridan, and Donald J. Sheridan predeceased her. Brother Charles F. Sheridan (W. Faye) survives as do many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends, especially David and Kay Holmes. Rita lived a life of service and inspiration to others. A graduate of Marian College, she began her career as a teacher of Spanish and French, first in Sharpsville and Salem, then for Indianapolis Public Schools. She received her master of arts degree from Indiana University and received additional education at Escuela Normal, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico, Hollins College in Roanoke Virginia, University of Colorado-Boulder, and the University of Puerto Rico-San Juan. As director of IU’s Honors Program in Foreign Languages for High School Students, she spent ten summers in Mexico guiding American students. Rita served as secretary/treasurer for the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese for much of her career. She retired from Indianapolis Public Schools as Supervisor of Foreign Language and ESL (English as a Second Language.) In recognition of her service and inspiration, in 1992 Governor Evan Bayh named Rita a Sagamore of the Wabash, one of Indiana’s highest honors. Rita encouraged academic and life excellence. Typical graduation presents for her nieces and nephews supported this: a typewriter for eighth grade, luggage for high school, and books in the area of career choice for college graduation. Many of her nieces and nephews lived with her in young adulthood as they served internships or first entered their careers. Each was treated as the adult she saw them to be, yet nurtured in the “way one should go”. Rita was an active and appreciative member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, serving as president of the Parish Council, Chair of Capital Campaigns, and serving extensively in the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. She inspired others to lives of faith and service. Resurrection Mass is at 11 a.m. (CST), Rosary at 9 a.m., visitation - 9:30 a.m., all at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 427 S. Stormont St., Princeton, Indiana Wednesday, July 5, 2017. A memorial mass will be held at her home parish, Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 7241 E. 10th St. Indianapolis, IN July 28, 2017, 8:30 AM (EST). See weblink at www.familyfuneralcareindy.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rita’s name are welcome at her favorite charities: Donald J. Sheridan Endowment for St. Joseph School, Catholic Diocese of Evansville, 4200 Kentucky Avenue, Evansville, IN 47724-0169 The Society of St. Vincent de Paul-Holy Spirit Parish 7243 East Tenth Street, Indianapolis, IN 46219 Marian University Office of Institutional Advancement Marian University, 3200 Cold Spring Road, Indianapolis, IN 46222-1997