Rita Geist, 89

Rita Geist, 89, died at the home of her daughter, Loree, with family by her side, on Saturday, June 12, 2021.

She was born on Nov. 4, 1931, to Elizabeth and James Strano; they preceded her in death.

She married George Geist on June 6, 1953, and they lived on a small farm for 52 years. They both retired from Loree Footwear of Big Run. He preceded her in death July 2, 2005.

Rita was a devoted wife, mother and “NaNa” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also was a loved aunt to many nieces and nephews. In her later years, she had developed a special bond with her niece, Joyce Voytus.

Rita enjoyed a simple life of helping friends and neighbors, growing many of her favorite flowers, and playing with her grandchildren. She loved cooking for everyone, and no one left her home hungry.

She is survived by her daughters, Mrs. Georgann (Rodney) Reiter, Connecticut, and Mrs. Loree (Christopher) Danch of DuBois; her grandchildren, Mr. Eric (Jennifer) Reiter of Maine, Mrs. Deandra (Patrick) Henahan of Chicago, Illinois, and Mrs. Derise (Preston) Anderson of Frederick, Maryland; and her great-grandsons, Daytin Anderson and Callan Henahan.

She is also survived by her sisters, Mrs. Rose (Andrew) Meterko and Mrs. Jean (Thomas) Thompson, both of Punxsutawney, and her brothers, Mr. Ronald (Jenny) Strano of Punxsutawney and Mr. James (Peggy) Strano of Morgantown, West Virginia.

She was preceded in death by her sisters, Deloris Rishel, Josephine Turner, Betty Lou Mallory and Pauline Katus.

Friends and family will be received at the McCabe Funeral Home Inc., 114 Maple Ave., Punxsutawney, on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, from 4 to 8 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 17, 2021, at 11 a.m. at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 20 Shaffer St., Sykesville, with Father William Barron as celebrant. Rita will be laid to rest alongside her husband and near her sister and parents at the Calvary Cemetery, Punxsutawney.

Memorial donations may be made in Rita’s memory to ABVM Rosary Society, P.O. Box J, Sykesville, PA 15865, or “Just Us” (for care of animals in need), c/o Lynn Porada, 98 Morrison Ave., Punxsutawney, PA 15767.

To share a memory, log on to www.mccabewaldronfh.com.