Rita Elizabeth Gertrude Mealey Shearer

Rita Elizabeth Gertrude Mealey Shearer, 85, of Huntersville, surrounded by her family, peacefully went into the outstretched arms of Jesus on June 16, 2014.

She was born on May 25, 1929, in Philadelphia and grew up in the loving home of Emma and Leon Kolsen of Philadelphia. At the age of 12, she briefly met her later to be husband, Robert G. Shearer Sr., whom she later again met and married on Jan. 12, 1952, at the Third Street United Methodist Church, and was blessed with 62 years of marriage.

She was a devoted and loving mother and is survived by her husband and five children, Robert G. Jr. (Marcia) Shearer, of Jersey Mills, Jo Ann (Michael) Ferari, of Carthage, N.Y., Timothy E. (Jacqueline) Shearer, of Huntersville, Deborah A. (fiance, Kenny) Shearer, of Lake Butler, Fla., and Kathleen (James) Way, of Montoursville.

Rita lived for the times she spent with her grandchildren, Jim, Timothy, Shawn, Brian, Dana, and Emily Shearer, and Brandon Way, of the local area, Necole Ferari, of Colorado, Allen Rinker and Aaron Belanger, of Florida, Andrew Rinker and Jason Belanger, of Wyoming, and Jason Ferari and Sethaniel Way, of the U.S. Army. Rita was also blessed with 25 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren, with two more for her to love on the way.

Rita spent the last 52 years of her life in the Huntersville area on a beef farm where she grew a large garden every year, canning vegetables to feed her family all winter. She planned on canning string beans this summer while on 24 hour oxygen. She loved cooking for her husband, watching deer at her farm and everything to do with being a devoted farmer’s wife.

She was led to the Lord by Uncle Earl Stutzman, loved the Lord throughout her life, and told her family right before her passing, she was very ready to be with Jesus. Rita was a very proud seven year graduate of Bible Study Fellowship and was often seen doing her lessons for hours at a time. She was a member of Bible Baptist Church of Huntersville where she enjoyed helping with VBS and other church activities with the children, and was known as the snack and drink lady for many years.

Rita enjoyed reading the Bible and having long talks about Jesus and Heaven with her dear friend, Carol Converse of Huntersville. She enjoyed going to Friday yard sales with her beloved friend of more than 50 years, Alice Glant, of Montoursville.

Rita loved her family and had a unique way of making each loved one feel special. Although her family rejoices in knowing she is with Jesus and his angels in Heaven, she will be greatly missed.

A funeral service was held 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 20, at Spitler Funeral Home, 733 Broad St., Montoursville, with the Rev. Robert J. McKenzie officiating. Burial followed in Montoursville Cemetery. Friends were received at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 19.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Bible Baptist Church of Huntersville, 1229 Dutchtown Road, Muncy, PA 17756.