Linda L. (Mease) Rittle

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of the matriarch of our family, Linda L. (Mease) Rittle, age 83, passed away at home on December 17, 2021. She was born to Aaron and Marguerite (Kreider) Mease, Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Linda dedicated her life to healing others through her work as a registered nurse. She graduated from Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences in 1959. She began her career as a missionary nurse in Espanola, NM. Upon returning to Pennsylvania, she helped establish the very first intensive care unit at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Lebanon, PA. In 1962, Linda married the love of her life, James B. Rittle of Lebanon. She put her career on hold to raise their children, David and Sue Ann. She returned to nursing work at Lebanon Internal Medicine (LIMA) and retired from LIMA in 1998. Linda also dedicated her life to serving God and others though her faith and was a leader in her church, Holy Trinity Lutheran, in Lebanon. She was a wonderful educator in spreading God’s word. Linda taught in the Mother’s class when her children were young and went on to teach in the Catechetical program. She and her husband, Jim, served as leaders for the youth groups at Trinity. Linda enjoyed teaching God’s word and was excellent at it. She was a member and leader in the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church for more than 60 years. Music played a major role in Linda’s life. As a young woman, she sang in school and church choirs. She was even part of a live radio show as a featured singer. In her service as a member of the choir at Holy Trinity Lutheran, she praised the Lord through song and solos in countless cantatas, weddings and music programs. Her family has fond memories of gathering around the piano at Christmas to have her play and lead the singing of carols. Being a wife, mother and nana gave Linda deep joy. Her grandchildren, Zachary and Lauren Rittle, remember playing grocery store, including all the props, baking countless confections in the Easy Bake Oven, camping and playing in the castle. Anyone who knew Linda knows that Jim had a great affinity for Lionel Trains and The Circus. She was Jim's circus traveling companion as they made dozens of trips across the county to display Jim's miniature three ring circus. Jim's fellow circus fans became another family that was blessed to have Linda as part of the fellowship and fun. Linda was a woman of tremendous faith, loved life, serving God and others, but most importantly, she loved her family. Linda is survived by her husband of 59 years, Jim, as well as her two children, David Rittle and Sue Ann (Rittle) Houser; grandchildren Zachary Rittle and Lauren Rittle, Joshua Houser; great granddaughter Kinsey Petrozziello; Sister-in-law Norma J. (Rittle) Arnold and husband, Mark R. Arnold III and beloved nieces and nephew; many great nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, December 22, 2021, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 723 Lehman Street, Lebanon, PA 17042. Visitation with the family is from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM with a memorial service beginning at 11:00 AM. Masks are required while in the church building. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to her church, address above. The service can also be viewed remotely at the following link. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3YI8oQSuIRFnmlYDq8tolQ/

Linda L. (Mease) Rittle

November 6, 1938 - December 17, 2021