V. Rita Cooper

   V. Rita Cooper, 91, of Lititz, died peacefully on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at Luther Acres. Born in Mansfield, England, she was the daughter of the late Reginald and Florence Ratcliff Knowles. Rita was the loving wife of the late Alan Cooper who died in November 2014 following 58 years of marriage. Following years of study in dance, Rita was a professional ballerina in England. She was an active and faithful member of Trinity Evangelical Congregational Church, Lititz; where she volunteered with the Peanut Butter Egg Mission Project, and in the hospitality area at church for Sunday services. Rita was an active member of the former Lititz Lioness Club, and assisted with the annual Lititz Lioness Fashion Show fund raiser. Rita volunteered at the gift shop in the UPMC hospital as well as the Train Station Welcome Center in Lititz. She was an avid reader and also had a passion for playing card games daily with her friends in the Lititz community and at Luther Acres. Rita and her husband enjoyed many years spending time at their beach home in Pot-Nets, Delaware. Rita loved her family deeply, and cherished the time she would spend with her husband, children, and grandchildren.

  Surviving are two daughters: Toni wife of Dr. John Black III, of Lancaster, Karen Crater of Upper Darby, four grandchildren: Ryan Black husband of Hanna, Connor Black, Alana Crater Cooney wife of Tyler, and Ross Crater. Preceding her in death is a son-in-law, Mark Crater, and a brother, Tony Knowles.

  Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Rita’s memorial service at Trinity Evangelical Congregational Church, 44 East Orange Street, Lititz, on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 11:00 AM. Friends may visit with the family at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Interment will be private in Trinity E.C. Cemetery.