Rita Marcella Van Meter

Rita Marcella Moser Van Meter, 90, of Lewistown, passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital.

Born September 9, 1935, in Lewistown, she was the daughter of the late Sylvester A. and Nellie M. (Walk) Burd.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, Norman E. Heimbach, Charles W. Moser, and Harold Van Meter; daughter, Cheryl Heimbach; granddaughter, Nellie Weaver; siblings, Barbara Wolfkill and husband, James, Larry Burd; daughter-in-law, Pamela Heimbach; brother-in-law, Andrew Orloski.

She is survived by her children, Norman ‘Nick’ E. Heimbach Jr. and wife, Paula, of Lewistown, Marc C. Heimbach, of Florida, Rita K. Ritchey, Port Matilda, Marilyn Moser and wife, Tana Traxler, of Lewistown, Heather Graham, of Lewistown,  grandchildren    Veronica Brown Locke and wife, Kaitlyn, Nick Heimbach, Jason Heimbach and wife, Amanda, Derek Heimbach, Jennifer Nygard and husband, Adam, Amy Eng, Eric Heimbach, Brittany Davis and husband, Jeffrey, Samantha Todaro, and husband, McKenon; many great-grandchildren and many great-great-grandchildren; sister, Cecelia Orloski, of Fairless Hills; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Rita was an active member of Sacred Heart Church of Jesus Christ. She served as president of the Women’s Democratic Club and ran for Mayor of Lewistown. Additionally, she was chairwoman of Birdhouse Inc., dedicating many years to supporting underprivileged people in her community.

Rita graduated from Lewistown Granville High School. She worked as the secretary for Representative Ruth Rudy and was also a devoted homemaker.

A viewing will be held from 10 am to 11:30 am, Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at Hoenstine Funeral Home, 75 Logan St., Lewistown, with a funeral service to follow at 11:30 am, with Father Brian Saylor officiating.

Interment will take place at Juniata Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Rita’s memory to: St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at hoenstinefuneralhome.com

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