Rita Chase

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