Schoeffel

Rita Schoeffel, 96, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025.

Rita was born May 8, 1928, in Jackson Township near Evans City. Her parents were Samuel H. and Agnes Moore Ramsey.

She graduated from Evans City High School in 1946 and Geneva College in 1963. She received a K-12 certification in school library science from Slippery Rock University in 1965. Rita spent 31 years in education and spent 27 years as an elementary school librarian for the Pine-Richland School District. She was a member of the Pine-Richland Teachers Association, serving a term as president, and she was a member of the board of the Butler County Federated Library System, serving a term as treasurer.

She also was a member of the St. Matthias Parish council, serving time as president. She was a member of the Nelson Charitable Foundation and a member of the Evans City library board, where she served on the planning and finance committee. It was during this time that she worked diligently to raise the funds to purchase the property at 204 S. Jackson St. The library was able to move from its cramped quarters on Main Street to the spacious facility it now occupies. It is for this that she would like to be remembered. Rita also served on the board of the Evans City Historical Society, and for almost 10 years was the president and wrote their newsletter. She volunteered at the Evans City Food Cupboard for over 20 years.

At the age of 91, she compiled a book of information and pictures about the descendants of Alexander and Grace Smith Ramsey. For at least 25 years, she painted a picture in either watercolor or acrylics and had it printed as her Christmas card. She enjoyed carving out of wood the many birds she saw at her bird feeder. During her more able years, she enjoyed doing many things and living life.

She was proceeded in death by her husband of 52 years, Dale; and an infant daughter, Leslie Elizabeth.

She is survived by her sons, Drew (Sherrill) of Evans City and Dr. Kim (Sally) of Bradenton, Fla.; her daughter, Marcia of Evans City; five grandchildren, Sean, Keli, Lucas (Jennifer), Geoffrey (Alexandra) and Sarah; and two great-granddaughters, Felicity and Avary. Four half brothers and a half sister in Oregon also survive her, Dick, Harry, Jim, Sam and Nancy.

SCHOEFFEL — Friends of Rita Schoeffel, who died Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, at BOYLAN FUNERAL HOME, 116 E. Main St., Evans City.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, at Divine Grace Parish, St. Gregory Catholic Church, 2 W. Beaver St., Zelienople, PA 16063.

In lieu of flowers, Rita asks you make donations to the Evans City Library or the Evans City Historical Society, both at 204 S. Jackson St., Evans City, PA 16033, or a favorite local nonprofit of your choice.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.