Rita A. Miller

RITA MILLER

Rita A. Miller, 81, a deeply devoted wife, mother, Nana and beloved community fixture, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, at Eagle Ridge Personal Care Home. Her passing marks the conclusion of a life well-lived, defined by faith, service and unconditional love.

Born in Lock Haven, Pa., on Aug. 7, 1944, Rita was the daughter of the late John and Philomena Severino.

A proud lifelong resident of the area, she was a 1962 graduate of St. Joseph’s High School, where she had the distinct honor of being crowned May Queen.

Rita was a woman of boundless energy and work ethic. Throughout her life, she was employed at Sylvania, the bank and Walmart, but she was perhaps best known for operating Rita’s Mountain Valley Cafe alongside her husband, Joe. Her commitment to her community extended far beyond her work; she was a dedicated volunteer at the Lock Haven Hospital and the Piper Aviation Museum.

A woman of profound faith, Rita was a long-time, active member of St. Joseph’s Church (Holy Spirit Catholic Parish) and the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Together with her husband, she helped guide others by conducting Marriage Encounter classes through the parish, sharing the wisdom of their commitment with others.

However, Rita’s true passion was her family and her heritage. She expressed her love through her cooking, and her kitchen was the heart of her home. Family and friends will forever cherish the memories of her famous biscotti, raviolis, meatballs and fried dough.

Rita’s greatest joy and most enduring legacy was her family. She was the devoted wife of Joseph Miller for 62 years. Joe passed away recently on Nov. 18, 2025, and their enduring marriage was a testament to true commitment. After only two months apart, they are now happily reunited.

She is survived by four wonderful children, Joseph, Jr. (Billie), of Mill Hall, John, of Dunnstown, Jeremy, of Lock Haven. and Janelle, also of Mill Hall.

“Nana” will be deeply missed by her six cherished grandchildren, Joseph, III (Mary Kate), Nicholas (Amber), Taylor (TK), Evan (Savannah), Kasie (Selvin) and Elliott. Her legacy continues through her five beautiful great-grandchildren, Joseph, IV, Liam, Olivia, Amelia and Dahlia, with another blessing expected in February.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Rita was preceded in death by her siblings, Rosemary, Joseph (Sonnie), Betty June, Charles (Gootsie) and Billy.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Rita’s life at a viewing at the Gedon Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, LLC, 121 W. Main St., Lock Haven, Pa., on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. The family will welcome visitors between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Online thoughts and memories can be made at the Gedon Funeral Homes Facebook page or on the website at www.GedonFuneralHomes.com.