Rita Jane Esbenshade, 60, joined her Lord and Savior when she passed away peacefully, with family by her side, on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at Spruce Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Reading, PA. Rita was the daughter of the late
A. Wilmer and Arlene B. (Rutt) Esbenshade.

In spite of the many physical challenges Rita faced in life, she was a very caring and happy person, who thrived on being around people of all ages. She was known for her ready smile and greeting whomever she met, friends and strangers alike! Rita was a member of Strasburg Mennonite Church. She worked at Lighthouse Vocational Services, New Holland, for many years, as well as Goodwill Industries. She was an avid Phillies baseball fan, enjoyed a variety of music and dancing. She resided at Friendship Community for many years, and was a member of their Creative Movement Team, which performed expressive dances to hymns and praise songs at various churches in the area. In more recent years, Rita lived with various siblings, before becoming a resident at Spruce Manor.

Rita is survived by the following brothers and sisters: Reba H. Buckwalter-Kreider,
Ruth (David) Warfel, Rhelda (Wilmer) Conrad, Clair Esbenshade (Deb Denlinger),
J. Clyde Esbenshade (Peggy Toews), and Rosa (Glenn) Nolt. She was preceded in death by brothers-in-law John M. Buckwalter and Noah W. Kreider, Jr.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2016 at 3:30 PM at Lancaster Brethren in Christ Church, 1865 Fruitville Pike, Lancaster. A private graveside service will be held prior to her Service.

Arrangements by Groff-High-Eckenroth Funeral Home, New Holland.