Rita M. Derby

Rita M. Derby, 86, of Meadville, passed away peacefully Thursday, November 24, 2022 at her residence surrounded by her loving family.

She was born April 25, 1936 in Meadville, a daughter of Albert and Josephine Helen Kurt Smith.  She married Harold C. Derby September 18, 1954 and he preceded her in death February 26, 1993.

Rita was a 1954 graduate of Randolph East Mead High School.  She worked at Pizza Villa, Abex, the Market Grill, and the Meadville Medical Center Snack Shop.

Rita was a member of The Epiphany of The Lord Parish.  She was also a member of Meadville Medical Center Auxiliary, enjoyed reading and especially spending time with her family.

Survivors include six children, Linda Mangus of Guys Mills, Jeffrey Derby (Judy) of Meadville, Deborah Fisk (Bill) of Titusville, Tammy Walter (Roger) of Guys Mills, Susan Hollabaugh (Stephen) of Guys Mills, and Brenda Marsh (Calvin) of Pleasantville; fourteen grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; four sisters, Joan McCain, Audine Ehrgott (Paul), Kay Hotchkiss (Karl), and Wanda Schmidt (Marcus), all of Meadville; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Harold; three brothers, Russell G., Duane L., and Lawrence A. (Sonny) Smith; and a son-in-law, Edward Mangus.

Calling hours will be Monday, November 28th from 4-7 p.m. at the ROBERT W. WAID FUNERAL HOME, 581 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE with a Scripture Prayer service at 6:45 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, November 29th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Agatha Church, 353 Pine St., Meadville with Fr. Michael Kesicki as Celebrant.

Interment will be in Smith Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to The Epiphany of The Lord Parish, 353 Pine St., or Hospice of Crawford County, 766 Liberty St., both of Meadville, PA 16335.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.waidfuneralhome.net