89, Village Art Association member
and accomplished artist
Rita K. Washburn, 89, of Lancaster, entered into eternal rest Friday, Aug. 9, after a brief illness.
She was a talented artist who specialized in pen and ink and watercolor painting. Her art depicted beautiful scenes from around the country, especially her native Lancaster County. A member of the Village Art Association in Lititz, she regularly showcased her work in the annual Lititz Art Show, among other events. She traveled extensively throughout North America and also to Europe and Haiti. She enjoyed spending time with family and watching professional golf on television. Her optimism, good humor and distinctive laugh brought joy to family and friends, while her faith and strength defined her character throughout her life.
Born Dec. 29, 1923 in Lancaster, she was the daughter of the late Charles C. Washburn Sr. and Bertha Muehleisen Washburn. She graduated from East Lampeter High School and attended Lancaster Business College before a 40-year career working in the main office at Intelligencer Printing Company.
A role model for her strong faith, she was a member of Calvary Church for more than 50 years. She was a volunteer with Child Evangelism Fellowship in Lancaster County and was actively involved in volunteering at Calvary Fellowship Homes.
She is survived by two sisters: Gloria R. Northeimer of Lancaster and Jean M. Ennis of Plantation, Fla. and nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews who were part of her loving family and her Calvary family. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister: Doris K. Washburn, and brother: Charles C. Washburn Jr.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate her life Aug. 15 at 10:30 a.m. at Fred F. Groff Funeral Home, 234 W. Orange St., Lancaster, PA 17603. A visitation will be held at the funeral home before the service from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the benevolent fund at Calvary Fellowship Homes, 502 Elizabeth Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601.