Obituaries

Rita M. Gutshall, 96

November 23, 2023

Rita M. Gutshall, 96, of Luther Acres, passed away on Thursday, November 23, 2023. Born in Hazelton, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Mary (DeJoseph) Forte. Rita was the devoted wife of the late Lester L. Gutshall, who passed away in 1998.

A dedicated homemaker, Rita’s life revolved around her husband, children, and grandchildren. She found purpose and joy in her role as a caregiver. Rita was a long-standing member of the Lititz United Methodist Church, where her faith and community played an important role in her life.

Rita had a variety of interests that showcased her talents and passions. She enjoyed knitting, cooking, baking, sewing, and generously gave her time as a volunteer. However, her greatest source of happiness was her family. Rita cherished moments spent with her granddaughters, considering them to be the apples of her eye.

Rita is survived by her sons: Lester L. Gutshall, Jr., husband of Eileen, of Oaks, PA, and Mark A. Gutshall, husband of Kelly, of Lititz; and her three beloved granddaughters: Meghan, Kristine, and Brooke. In addition to her husband and parents, Rita was preceded in death by her siblings: Alfred Forte and Betty McGuire.

A memorial service to celebrate Rita’s life will be held at 10 AM on Monday, December 11, at Luther Acres, 600 Main St., Lititz, PA 17543, in the Community Room. Following the services, Rita will be laid to rest beside her husband, Lester, at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Rita’s memory to the Caring Fund of Luthercare.

Rita M. Gutshall will be remembered for her love, warmth, and the lasting impact she had on the lives of those fortunate enough to know her. May she rest in peace.

Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page


Be sure to include your name

Please note that your condolence will not appear on this page until it is reviewed. Condolences usually appear within 24 hours of being submitted.

Condolences to the Family

December 04, 2023

To Les, Mark and family so sorry for your loss of your mother.
Bob and Judy Shettle

November 30, 2023

Les, Mark, and families, we are with you and send you love, and we bless and celebrate Rita at her homecoming. Bob & Chris

November 29, 2023

Deepest sympathies.
Gregory Blackburn

November 28, 2023

Rita ALWAYS had a smile on her face. She had a wonderful way of remembering the people and activities in my life and always followed up on their progress. That’s a person who genuinely cares. Its was a special trait among many that she had. I will miss “catching up” with her and her way of making my day brighter. Rest in peace.
Neil Beahan

November 28, 2023

It was an honor and privilege to know Aunt Rita. As a resident of Hazleton the family had many gatherings. So by way of smile and conversation she was a joy to be in her presence. Her life to 96 is just as impressive as her smile.
Anthony Parlatore

November 28, 2023

Always cheerful, positive and fun to be around! She and Lester raised 2 awesome sons who turned out to be life long friends. Mrs. Gutshall will be missed.
Mike and Neysa Callahan

November 28, 2023

Dear Lester, and family. We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother, Rita. We are thinking of you in this difficult time. What an amazing long like Rita lived. May she rest now in peace. Janice and Dan Bofinger 

Services
Monday, December 11, 2023
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Luther Acres - Community Room
600 Main St.
Lititz, PA 17543
Map and Directions

Get Maps and Directions >
Send Flowers Online

Offering Lancaster, PA funeral services for over 75 years.

Our seven funeral homes in Lancaster and Lebanon Counties makes it easy and convenient to make arrangements and host services close to home.

  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Lancaster
  • 414 East King St.
  • 717-393-9661
  • Charles F. (Chip) Snyder, Jr. Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Lititz Pike
  • 3110 Lititz Pike
  • 717-560-5100
  • Charles F. (Chad) Snyder, III Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Millersville
  • 441 North George St.
  • 717-872-5041
  • Mark D. Burkholder Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Spacht-Snyder Family Funeral Home Lititz
  • 127 South Broad St.
  • 717-626-2317
  • Jacqueline Adamson Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Bachman-Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory Strasburg
  • 7 South Decatur Street
  • 717-687-7644
  • Norman T. Mable Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Willow Street
  • 2421 Willow Street Pike
  • 717-464-4600
  • Kelly Gramola Townsend Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Snyder Bean Funeral Home & Crematory Lebanon
  • 890 Isabel Dr.
  • 717-272-4634
  • Kati Fetter Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info