Rita C. Snyder, 84, of Lancaster, PA, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, September 11, 2009 at Lancaster General Hospital. She was the loving wife of the late Charles F. Snyder, founder and funeral director, of the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home, Lancaster, PA. They celebrated their 50 ^th wedding anniversary in September of 2000. Rita was born in Lancaster, PA and raised on Cabbage Hill. She was the daughter of the late Roland F. and Kathryn (Smith) Caskey.

Rita was an integral part of helping her husband with the family business since their marriage in 1950. She previously worked for Armstrong Cork Co. and for WGAL as a secretary and receptionist.

Rita graduated from St. Mary's Parochial school. She was a 1942 graduate from Lancaster Catholic High School, where she played the French horn in the school band.

Rita was a life long member of the International Federation of Catholic Alumni. She was a member of St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, and a former member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. She was a member of the St. Philip's Guys & Dolls and Women's Auxiliary.

Rita enjoyed travel, going on cruises, going to the beach, especially Avalon and Stone Harbor, NJ, reading, music, watching old movies, and was an avid bridge player. Rita was well known for knitting her infamous dishcloths, and she loved giving them to her family and friends.

All her children attended St. Anthony's Parochial School where Rita was a member of the PTO from 1958 to 1980.

After residing above their funeral home on East King Street for thirty-five years, Rita and her husband Charles moved to their beloved Springdale Farm home in Millersville.

Rita is survived by her son Charles F. "Chip" Snyder Jr., husband of Doreen V., of Lancaster, PA, daughter Christina A. Cunha, wife of Antonio, of Lancaster, PA, daughter Susan M. Bleacher, wife of Wes, of Conestoga, PA, daughter Patricia A. Geiger, wife of Thomas, of Boiling Springs, PA, daughter Kathryn M. Guidos, wife of Joseph, of Conestoga, PA, son Michael A. Snyder, husband of Donna, of Lancaster, PA, and twelve grandchildren, two step grandchildren, and three step great grandchildren. Rita is also survived by her brother Leo F. Caskey, of Lancaster, PA, brother, Edward Caskey, husband of Sally, of Elizabethtown, PA, sister Janice C. Stork, of Lancaster, PA, and sister K. Pat Zeller, wife of Robert, of Lancaster, PA. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Kline and Ellen Supko.

Rita had a courageous heart and she prevailed when all others would have given up. Her love of family and zest for life were an inspiration to all.

Rita's family would like to thank the caring staff at The Glen at Willow Valley, the dialysis team at the Lancaster General Hospital Health Campus, the ER staff at Lancaster General Hospital, and all the physicians and nurses who took tremendous care of her.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 11am from St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church 501 E. Orange St. Lancaster, PA 17602 with Msgr. Richard Youtz as the Celebrant and Rev. Daniel Mitzel as the Con-Celebrant. A viewing will be held at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home 414 E. King St. Lancaster, PA on Tuesday from 5-9pm with the Holy Rosary recited at 8:30pm and a second viewing will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday from 9-10:15. Final Commendation and Farewell will take place from St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made in Rita's memory to the Dominican Monastery 1834 Lititz Pk. Lancaster, PA 17601 or St. Anne School New Building Fund c/o St Anne School 929 N. Duke St. Lancaster, PA 17602. Arrangements made by the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home, 393-9661. To send the family online condolences please visit snyderfuneralhome.com