Rita Marie Harrison Highhouse, 77, passed away Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at the John and Orpha Blair Hospice House. Rita was born on November 5, 1944, to Richard W. and Barbara V. Morrison Harrison in Warren, PA. She was a proud graduate of the WAHS Class of 1963. Some of Rita’s favorite past-times while growing up consisted of going to Richie’s Snack Bar, drag racing, snipe hunting, and roller skating. Rita was employed by Sylvania, The Office Lounge/Cornerstone, Loranger Manufacturing, and the Loranger Family, who we affectionately refer to as her “other family!” Rita was involved in volunteering for the American Cancer Society—and played a vital role in bringing the Relay for Life to Warren County but also spent many hours and miles driving patients to treatments and/or appointments. She has been a volunteer for Hospice of Warren County since the early 90’s. This became her passion. We cannot begin to list the number of lives that she has touched with her genuine kindness, compassion, and love. Her ability to assist others while passing on into their eternal lives was like no other.
It is difficult to list all the activities she has participated in over the years. Some that stand out are the Class of 63 reunion committee, scout leader, youth group leader, women of the outdoors, NWTF, and NRA–to name a few. She loved her daily routine of visiting CVS, Warren Shurfine, the Eagles, and the Eastside Country Fair (for an adult slushie)! Rita’s favorite role was being a grandma. She loved attending anything that involved her grandkids. Some of her favorite memories were traveling to their cottage in Canada, playing Bingo with her nieces and granddaughters, buying raffle tickets for any basket raffle or fundraiser she could find—because she would always win something—and then give it away to someone who needed it more than her, attending her granddaughter’s, Ashley, club, high school, and college volleyball games, traveling with her daughter , Whendy, together they made memories in Hawaii and Arizona—where Rita enjoyed attending the NASCAR races, and traveling with her partner in crime, Jeannine Loranger.
Rita was loved by everyone she met—and she knew EVERYONE! Her huge heart, bright smile, and wonderful sense of humor made people gravitate toward her. She had a way of making everyone feel special. You will never meet a more giving person. We are blessed to have had her in our lives.
Rita is survived by her husband, Robert (Bob) Highhouse, whom she married on October 3, 1964, at Saint Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church. Together, they had four children. Whendy (Mike) Scott, Jim (Jane) Highhouse, Marci (Ryan) Barker, and Bobi (AKA Barbara) Highhouse and companion Chip Phillips. Seven grandchildren: Chaelynn (Jim) Dombeck, James (Bailey Reed) Highhouse, Ashley Barker, Adam Barker, Margia (Justin) Hansen, Emma (Colin) Beck, and Claire (Jared Toter) Abplanalp; and two great-granddaughters: Leighton and Ainslie Dombeck, her siblings Joan and Alex Harrison, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and more friends who are considered family that we can count. She was fondly known as “Aunt Rita” and “Grandma Rita” to many!
She was preceded in death by her parents; mother-in-law, Florence Skinner; siblings: Richard Harrison, Barbara Harrison, Patty Cummings, and Mary Ann Hughes; niece Monica Harrison Johnson, and her dog “Little Buddy.”
Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA., on Monday, March 7, 2022, from 6 to 8 P.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Joseph R.C. Church, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue West, Warren, PA. with Fr. Richard Tomasone, Pastor, officiating. Interment will be in St. Joseph R.C. Cemetery. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through Hospice of Warren County, earmarked for the John and Orpha Blair Hospice House, 1 Main Avenue, Warren, PA. 16365, www.hospiceofwarrencounty.org
E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
So blessed to have grown up next to her and have so many fond childhood and adult memories of Rita. Prayers for comfort and peace.
I had first met Rita when we were both five. She left Warren for many years to live with her older sister and returned when we were in 8th or 9th grade. It was so special having her back. Our friendship was renewed when she so lovingly cared for my mother, Margaret Jenkins, as she was dying. It was so special to witness the love she extended and the assurance she gave to my mother. She wanted my mother to know that she was loved and that her life had mattered and she did not hesitate to extend warm hugs. Rita was genuine and one could learn much by being in her presence. She had so much love for her family.
I was delighted that she married, Bob, a handsome fellow from Pleasant Township!
Rita will always be remembered by those of us who grew up with her in the West End as a high energy, bubbly and friendly young lady! She will be missed greatly by those who knew her.
Thank you, Kaye. She loved your mom. Ashley loved going with her grandma to see your mom…especially their tea parties! Thank you for being a wonderful friend to my mom. Hugs.
I worked with RIta at Sylvania and we had some good times together, we loved our fast cars and shared many memories…..May you rest in peace my Friend…Prayers to Bob and her family….
Our sincere sympathy to Bob and entire family. Rita was such a nice lady, always had time to express a smile and kind words. We will miss her neighborly visits, God Bless, you were a pleasure to have in our lives.
Because our names were close alphabetically, Rita and I sat either in front of or behind each other through our Beaty and Class of 63 WAHS years. I was ADD, though nobody knew what that was back then Rita was so patient, whispering which page we were on or telling me what our homework was all the time. She was a wonderful girl and an amazing woman. I’ll look forward to seeing her in Heaven where she can bring me up to speed on what’s going on there. Praise the Lord.
Marci and family, I’m very sorry to read about your Mom. She was a very special lady!! She tirelessly gave of herself. She did anything and everything for anyone, and with a smile. God bless you and yours.
Rita’s smiles were like warm hugs; your day always became better in her presence.
My sincere condolences to the entire family. I grew up with Rita in the West Side of Warren on Walnut St. Rita was always upbeat and friendly.
sorry to here about your lost, our prayers go out to you and your family,
So very surprised and sad to learn that Rita has passed. She was a ball of energy, so kind and caring. She & my late husband John Hamilton graduated in 1963 & we met many times; at reunion, Girl Scouts, Pleasant Twp School, and lots of times at Country Fair. She will be missed by so many. So sad and sorry for your loss.