Helen L. Rittel

Helen L. Rittel, 96, of Lititz, and formerly of Lebanon, died peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, January 6, 2019 at Luther Acres, Lititz. Born in Bethel Township, she was the daughter of the late David and Verna Peiffer Koehler. Helen was the loving wife of the late Mark L. Rittel, who died in 1996.

Helen graduated from Lebanon High School in 1940. She worked for many years at Hower’s Music Store in Lebanon. Later she worked at Weaver’s Lebanon Bologna, and served as a sales clerk at their stand in The Reading Market. She retired from Weaver’s after 20 years of service.

A devoted servant of her faith, Helen was an active member of Grace United Church of Christ, Lebanon. She served as a teacher and piano player in their Sunday school and participated in the church’s women’s ministries. After her retirement from Weavers, Helen volunteered for 10 years at Good Samaritan Hospital in Lebanon, where she greeted visitors at the welcome center. Helen was an avid walker, and she and Mark also enjoyed bike riding. Helen was a skilled knitter and shared her intricate designs with friends, family and those in need. She especially loved teaching others the art of knitting.

Throughout her life, Helen was devoted to her family. They are grateful for her fierce, unconditional love and for the model she and Mark provided with their devoted marriage of 48 years.

Surviving is her son, Randall L. husband of Phyllis McMillen Rittel of Lancaster; two grandchildren; Angela wife of Steven Bradshaw of Santa Monica, CA and Robert Rittel of Lancaster; a sister, Anna Mae wife of Richard Grimes of Lebanon; two nieces; Shelly Buck of Hershey and Linda Geesaman of Harrisburg; and two nephews, Bryon Spitler of Lebanon and Dale Spitler of Myerstown.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Helen’s memorial service at the Grace United Church of Christ, 1000 South Fifth Avenue, Lebanon, on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at 11:00 AM. Friends may visit with the family at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. The private interment will be held at Klopps Cemetery at the family’s convenience. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Helen’s memory to either Grace United Church of Christ, 1000 South Fifth Avenue, Lebanon, PA 17042, or Music for Everyone, 42 N. Prince Street, Lancaster, PA 17603 (musicforeveryone.org).