Rita H. Small

Rita H. Small, 94, entered into God’s eternal care on Thursday, January 23, 2014 at Cross Keys Village – The Brethren Home Community.



Born on Tuesday, August 10, 1919, in Paradise Township., she was a daughter of the late Bernard P. and Sarah Eckenrode Hemler, and was the wife of the late Francis J. Small, Sr., her husband of 60 years, who died in 2002. She was also preceded in death by a son, Thomas Small; a brother, Francis; and three sisters, Cecilia, Catherine, and Mary. Mrs. Small was a retired employee of Sylvania Shoe and was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where she baked and served through various functions.



Survivors include six children, Frank Small and his wife Joan of McSherrystown; Don Small and his wife Denise of Hanover; Bob Small and his wife Michele of Frederick, MD; Mary Louise Small of Hanover; Kathleen Carter and her husband Rick of Roseville, CA; and Loraine Yoneda and her husband Shohei of Canton, MI; a sister, Grace Sterner of New Oxford; six grandchildren, Donna Sweeney, Gina McInturff, Jason Small, Jeffrey Small, Nick Yoneda, and Jerry Stonesifer; and four great-grandchildren, Allen, Logan, Payton, and Dylan.



A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, January 29, 2014 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 5125 Grandview Road, Hanover. Burial will follow in St. Vincent’s Cemetery.



The family will receive friends at a viewing to be held 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Panebaker Funeral Home, Inc., 311 Broadway, Hanover, with a prayer service at 8 p.m. A second viewing will be held 12 to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the church.



In addition to other memorials, contributions may be made to the HART Center, 450 E. Golden Lane, New Oxford, PA 17350, where her son, Thomas, was active, or to the Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, UT 84741, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.


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