Rita Chase Obituary
Rita Chase, born November 8, 1950, in Harrisburg, PA, to the late Edward Smith and Victoria Owens-Smith, was the fourth of eight children.
She received her formal education in the Harrisburg School System and graduated from John Harris High School in 1969. Rita briefly worked at the former Dauphin County Nursing Home in Harrisburg, PA.
Rita displayed love, care, and kindness towards her family, friends, and others. She was a giver, a rare and wonderful person.
She enjoyed playing bingo and cards. She loved wearing her different-colored sneakers, and her son used to call her Fresh Feet Rita. She also had Fresh Glasses and loved her Fresh Jewelry. She loved singing and truly enjoyed R. Kelly’s music. She loved cooking and especially enjoyed taking food to the members of her church and extended family at dialysis.
In 1970, Rita entered into Holy Matrimony with the late Mr. Richard Jackson Chase, Jr., and they were blessed with one son, Richard Jackson Chase III.
She joined the Mount Calvary Church of God in Christ on Sunday, July 27, 2008, under the pastorate of Elder D. R. Gilmore. She loved her pastor, her sisters and brothers in Christ, and most of all, she loved the Lord.
Rita, age 73, passed away on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at Harrisburg Hospital in Harrisburg, PA, surrounded by her son and family.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers: Ronnie Smith, Lorenzo Smith, and Edward Smith, all of Harrisburg, PA, as well as her nephew, Dennis Chism, also of Harrisburg, PA.
Rita’s life and legacy will forever be cherished by her dear son, Richard Chase III, her 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, her brother Tyrone (and wife Carmen) Smith of Harrisburg, PA, and her three sisters: Kim Smith, Debbie Smith, and Kay Smith, all of Harrisburg, PA. She is also survived by her uncle Leonard (and aunt Mary) Smith of Enhaut, PA, her aunt Paula Smith-Lawing of Harrisburg, PA, sisters-in-law Renee Chase, Angela Evans, and Charisse Folks, all of Harrisburg, PA, as well as many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
Lovingly Submitted by the Family
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
People and places connected with Rita
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Rita Chase
Make a Donation
in Rita Chase's name
How to support Rita's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Rita Chase's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
