Rita Starkey

Rita Starkey, 74, formerly of Douglassville, passed away Saturday, March 25, 2023, in the care of Kingston Court, York. She was the loving wife of Franklin Starkey with whom she shared 55 years of marriage.

Born in West Reading to the late Richard R. and Mary E. (Vallish) Reed, Rita graduated from Holy Name in 1966.

Once her children were independent, Rita worked as a knitting machine mechanic at Camp Hosiery. Rita was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed camping with her family, Disney trips, and watching her grandsons bowl. She was a dedicated Philadelphia sports fan. A creative soul, she took great joy in ceramics and other arts and crafts.

Left to treasure her memory are her husband, Franklin; children, Theodore "Ted" Starkey of Mohnton and Jennifer "Jen" Smith (Shawn) of York; and grandsons Riley and Ian Smith. She is also survived by her siblings: Richard Reed (Tara) of Muhlenberg; Robin Reed (Dory) of Douglassville; Russel "Rusty" Reed (Sharon) of Memphis, TN; Ronald Reed (Tracy) of West Lawn; and Regina Gehris (Michael) of Reading.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 31, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 740 Cherry St, West Reading, PA 19611, with committal to follow at Gethsemane Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., 739 Penn Ave, West Reading, and again Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the start of mass at the church. Condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.