Rita Ann Moore, 88, of Lebanon, PA, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Danville, PA, on Sept. 27, 1937, she is survived by her loving husband, Richard D. Moore. They enjoyed 64 wonderful years together. Also surviving are her daughters, Suzanne M. Boyer, wife of Allen, of Palmyra, PA, and Margaret A. Moore, of Lebanon, PA. Her five beloved grandchildren include Jonathan Moore (Jannelle), of Williston, ND, Abbey Moore-Kneipp, of Lyons, CO, and Molly, Luke, and Adam Boyer, of Palmyra, PA. A great blessing is her great-grandchild, Nox Moore, of Williston, ND. Other survivors include her sister, Susan (Lechner) Shwed, of Hagerstown, MD; sister-in-law, Patricia Lechner, of Needham, MA; brother-in-law, Edward Cruz, of El Cajon, CA; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Rita was predeceased by her son, Andrew Tan Tai Moore; sister, Mary Margaret Lechner; and brothers, Dr. Robert J. Lechner, Dr. James A. Lechner, and Paul C. Lechner.
A graduate of Bloomsburg State University, Rita loved teaching! She taught elementary school in Danville, Lickdale, and Lebanon before co-founding Jack and Jill Nursery School and Kindergarten in Lebanon 55 years ago with her close friend, Carol N. Maurer. She taught preschool and kindergarten at Jack and Jill for 34 years. She founded the kindergarten program there and later, the Kindergarten Enrichment Program. In the early days in Lebanon, she taught preschool groups in her home, organized children’s birthday parties, and presented puppet shows to groups and organizations. She was a Better Kid Care Coordinator with the Lebanon County Extension Program and was also inducted into the Lebanon County Commission for Women’s Hall of Fame. Rita was happiest when sharing her love of nature while in the woods with her grandchildren, other family members, and any children fortunate enough to be part of these outdoor explorations. She presented puppetry and educational workshops for educators and held summer Nature Camps, Science Camps, and Bug Club Camps for children in the Lebanon area.
A member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Annville, Rita was a member of the Parish Council of Catholic Women, a volunteer for the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and a helper at parish functions. She also cooked for the Youth for Christ organization and enjoyed cooking for friends and those in need. Favorite times were those spent with her grandchildren, hiking, gardening, traveling, and entertaining family and friends at home.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 125 Spruce St., Annville, 17003. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. A visitation will be held prior to Mass from 9:30-11:00 a.m. at the church. Please wear bright colors to honor Rita and her life and her love of springtime and nature.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the Andrew Tan Tai Moore Memorial Scholarship Fund at San Diego City College or Jack and Jill Preschool, Lebanon, PA. The family welcomes your memories and messages in Thompson Funeral Home’s online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com.
