Rita Irene Gerber
May 16, 1947 ~ September 6, 2021
Born in:
Bethlehem, PA
Resided in:
East Haddam, CT
Rita Irene Gerber of East Haddam was taken home by her Savior, Jesus Christ on September 6, 2021. She was born in Bethlehem, PA on May 16, 1947. She was the daughter of the late Russell A. Rodenbach and Vera A. (Stehly) Rodenbach, formerly of Bethlehem, PA. She earned her B.S. at Eastern Pilgrim College in Allentown, PA and her MSW at Southern Connecticut State University.
Rita and Rev. Richard R. Gerber of East Haddam were married for 53 years. Together they served Christ in congregations of the Evangelical Congregational Church in Cetronia, PA and Bethlehem, PA; and in congregations of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Valdosta, GA, Wildwood, NJ, and Hamden. After earning her MSW, she worked for Catholic Family Services in New Haven.
She was a loving and devoted mother to Sharon R. Gerber of East Haddam, Catherine E. (David C.) Locke of East Haddam, Peter J. (partner Charles Langley, Jr.) Gerber of Philadelphia, PA, and Michelle E.R. Gerber of East Haddam. Rita was a loving grandmother to Benjamin G. Locke and Quincy E. Locke, both of East Haddam, and the late Alexander R. Martus. She also leaves her sister, Christine A. (Robert J.) Stahl of Bausman, PA.
Many were enriched by Rita’s friendship, encouragement, and godly wisdom. She was a capable leader and organizer. Beginning in her teen years, churches and a variety of other groups and organizations benefitted from her skills and perseverance. Rita also had an extensive ministry of prayer.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 11 at 1 p.m. at Westminster Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 565 Shepard Ave., Hamden, CT. Calling hours will be prior to the service, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the church. Arrangements are being handled by Beecher and Bennett Funeral Home of Hamden. Memorial gifts may be made to Focus on the Family at www.focusonthefamily.com, or to a charity of your choice.
Services
Visitation: September 11, 2021 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Westminster Orthodox Presbyterian
565 Shepard Avenue
Hamden, CT 06514
Memorial Service: September 11, 2021 1:00 pm
Westminster Orthodox Presbyterian
565 Shepard Avenue
Hamden, CT 06514
Our thoughts & 🙏 prayers are with the family.
Especially Dick All our Love 💗 Sorry we are out of town with grandchildren & Greatgrand 🍼 baby. Love June&John Tirone
Condolences are kindly offered to the family of Rita Rodenbach Gerber on behalf of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania’s Liberty High School Class of 1965. Rita will be remembered at our upcoming class reunion on September 25, 2021.