Rita G. Thomson

Preceded in death by her parents, husband William J. Thomson, infant son, Thomas A. Thomson, and a sister-in-law, Gayle Gill. Survived by her sons, David (Linda) Thomson of Johnstown, Pa. and Douglas Thomson of Jonesboro, Ga.; granddaughters Marci (Nathan) Swanson, Ayla Thomson, Emma Thomson, and Molly Thomson; great-granddaughter Kaidence Marie Swanson; brothers, John (Bonnie) Gill, Tom (Rebecca) Gill, and Ed (Terry) Gill; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Rita was a faithful and active member of her beloved West Side United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School for 60 years and volunteered in many ministries. In recognition of her service, she was named a West Side Methodist Woman of the Year.

She was a graduate of Clearfield High School, Class of 1950, and a 1953 graduate of Clearfield Hospital School of Nursing. Rita devoted her life to caring for patients and neighbors. After decades of nursing, including tenures with Dr. J. Hayes Woolridge and Dr. Thomas G. Bell, she retired from Clearfield Hospital. She was a longtime leader of the Clearfield Hospital Nurses Alumni and counted fellow nurses as her dearest friends.

Throughout her life, Rita was a robust Clearfield community member and a dedicated volunteer. In her earlier life, she was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Order of the Eastern Star. Later, Rita loved participating in card clubs, bowling leagues, and Silver Sneakers. A true fighter, Rita defeated cancer three times and continually overcame the odds.

Friends will be received at the Bennett and Houser Funeral Home Inc. of Clearfield on Thursday, November 4, 2021 from 3 to 7:00 PM and at the West Side United Methodist Church of Clearfield on Friday, November 5, 2021 from 10:00 AM until the hour of services at 11:00 AM with Rev. Michelle Bodle officiating. Interment will be in Hillcrest Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions to West Side United Methodist Church (317 Nichols St., Clearfield, PA 16830) and the Clearfield Hospital Nurses Alumni Association (c/o Joan Myers, 2541 Meadow Rd., Clearfield, PA 16830).

To send online tributes please go to www.bennettandhouser.com