Rita C. Engle, 92

Rita C. Engle, 92, formerly of   Fernbrook Circle, Lancaster passed away with her family at her side, Sunday, July 5, at Mennonite Home.

Born in Norristown on July 12, 1916, she was the only daughter of the late Catherine and John Joseph Lawler. Orphaned at an early age, she was raised by various relatives. She worked as a domestic with her grandmother, during much of her youth. In her late teens, she met Samuel W. Engle of   Maytown. They fell in love and were happily married for 62 years until his death in 1996.

After raising her children, Rita worked for many years at the James H. Ross Store in downtown Lancaster. A woman of great faith, she was a member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Lancaster.

Surviving are four children; John S. Engle, Lancaster, Donald V. Engle, Lititz, Dennis H. Engle husband of Jennifer, Lancaster, and Joan M. wife of Harry A. Rupp, Mount Joy, eleven grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren.

Rita’s family would like to sincerely thank the staff of the Mennonite Home and Asera Care Hospice for their skilled and compassionate care during her residence and final illness.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 601 E. Delp Road, Lancaster, PA on Friday, July 10, 2009 at 10:30AM. Interment will be in St. Peter Catholic Cemetery in Elizabethtown, PA. There will be a viewing from 10-10:30 AM at the church on Friday. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rita’s memory may be made to the Mennonite home, 1520 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, Pa 17601. Arrangements are by the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home and Chapel. To send online condolences, please visit www.snyderfuneralhome.com