Rita Frantz Landis, age 85, a resident of Peter Becker Community, Harleysville, passed away at her residence on Sunday, July 8, 2018. She was the beloved wife of the late Merrill H. Landis with whom she shared over 57 years of marriage.
Rita was born in Souderton on October 9, 1932. She was a daughter of the late Harry J and Elizabeth (Landes) Frantz. Rita graduated from Souderton High School, Class of 1950, and then went on to earn her teaching degree from West Chester University in 1954. Rita taught elementary education in the Souderton School District for 29 years.
Rita had a very kind and adventurous soul, beloved by many. Rita traveled cross-country by plane, train, and automobile...even into her 80's. She enjoyed Windjammer cruises and flying a small Cessna plane, alongside her husband, Merrill. After obtaining her private pilot license in the 1970's, she logged hundreds of hours and flew to many destinations throughout the country. Rita was a proud member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, where she devotedly attended services, taught Sunday School, served as a Parish visitor, and was active in the choir for 80 years. She enjoyed tennis, roller skating
She is survived by three sons: Douglas K. and his wife Caren of Sellersville, Dwight K. and his wife Heather of Ephrata and Duane K. and his wife Valerie of Phoenixville, and seven grandchildren: Summer, Cody, Zachary, Alexander, Devon, Logan
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother Richard Frantz.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral service at 11 AM on Saturday, July 14,
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Rita’s name may be made to the Memorial Fund of Emmanuel Lutheran Church at the above address. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.williamsbergeykoffel.com.