Rita Gable

Rita May Gable, 89, formerly of Reading, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning at 7:30 a.m. in the ManorCare Nursing Center, Laureldale, where she had been a guest since December 2006.

Born in Reading on May 2, 1920, she was the daughter of the late John A. and Mary E. (Schmacker) Spuhler.

Rita was employed by the former C.K. Whitner Dept. Store for 21 years, until its closing. She was also employed by the Vanity Fair Corp. in the sales department for 10 years.

Rita was a 1938 graduate of Reading Catholic High School. She was a member of Holy Guardian Angels Roman Catholic Church of Hyde Park.

Rita is survived by two sons, Stephen J., husband of Beatrice G. Gable, Bernville, and Kenneth E., husband of Linda B. Gable, Austin, Texas; and a daughter, Jeannette R. Walk, West Reading.

Also surviving are seven grandchildren: Michelle C., wife of Joseph Palmer, and Annette M., wife of Scott Glisson, both of Centreville, Va., Matthew E. Walk, Phoenixville, Peter J. Walk, West Reading, Andrew M. Walk, Reading, and Daniel E. and Marissa E. Gable, both of Austin, Texas.

There are also six great-grandchildren: Thomas Sloan/Palmer, Jonathan Sloan/Palmer, Sarah Palmer, Jacob W. Glisson and Ava B. Glisson, all of Centerville, Va., and Justin M. Walk, West Reading.

Rita was predeceased by her companion of many years, Enrico Merlino, in July 2009.

Mass of Christian Burial in Holy Guardian Angels Roman Catholic Church, 3121 Kutztown Road, Hyde Park, PA 19605 will be celebrated on Friday at 10:30 a.m. Interment in Gethsemane Cemetery, Hyde Park. Friends may call Friday from 9 to 10 a.m. at Cramp Funeral Home Inc., 934 Centre Ave., Reading.

Contributions may be made to Holy Guardian Angels Roman Catholic Church at the above address in Rita's memory.

Online condolences may be made to www.readingeagle.com/legacy.