Rita P. Boone

Rita P. Boone, age 89, of Bel Air, MD passed away on March 10, 2016 at her daughter's home in Bel Air. Born in Charleston, WVa, she was the daughter of the late Herbert Poffenbarger and Bessie Poffenbarger DeMoss. Sixty-one years of her life were spent in marriage and partnership with the late Joseph D. Boone. Together, along with their three children, they embarked on a remarkable adventure of joy and giving to others. Fifteen summers were spent living and working at Easter Seals Camp Fairlee Manor, in Chestertown, Md. After her children were on their way towards independences, Rita returned to school, earning her Associate of Arts degree in Nursing, from Harford Community College. She spent the majority of her nursing career at Perry Point VA Hospital, in Perryville, Md. After retiring from her career, she once again returned to school, earning her Bachelor of Science degree, at age 66, from Towson University , purely for her own personal satisfaction. Rita was a 50+ year member of Bel Air United Methodist Church, where she was very active and vocal in the Women's Society. She made numerous mission trips with her husband and other church members to Russia, Alaska, and South Dakota. She became famous for her sewing creativity, providing one-of-a-kind wardrobes for her children and grandchildren, and unique crafts for the bazaars at church. An avid reader, Rita was well-versed in history, world events, and philosophy, willing to spar with anyone in an active debate. Rita was devoted to her family, spending endless time with them camping, sailing, traveling and just being together.

Mrs. Boone is survived by her daughters, Leigh McCusker and her husband, Hugh, of Bel Air, Md., Mary Jane Wilcox and her husband, Larry, of Lancaster, Pa., and her son, Parker and his wife, Lyn, of Fallston, Md.; grandchildren, Melissa McCrea, Jennifer Wolsin, Lindsay Meador, Jeff Wilcox, Anne Wilcox, Ginny Boone, Nathan Boone and Elsie Boone; and great-grandchildren, Hudson and Tanner McCrea.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Bel Air United Methodist Church, "Pass It On" Ministry, 21 Linwood Avenue, Bel Air, Md. 21014 or Easter Seals-Camp Capital Campaign, 61 Corporate Circle, New Castle, Del. 19720-2405.