Rita Ann Carpenter

Rita Ann Carpenter, 75, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania passed away on October 17, 2019. Rita was born in Carlisle on September 1, 1944 to the late William and Kathleen Braught. Along with her parents Rita is preceded in death by her older sister Kay Dowd Johnson, and her son Arleigh B. Carpenter, Sr. She is survived by her daughters, Karen D. Carpenter, Los Angeles, CA, Crystal L. Griffin, Candler, NC and four grandchildren, William B. Griffin, Candler, NC, Arleigh B. Carpenter, Jr., Boone, NC, Kayleigh E. Carpenter, Huntersville, NC and Kolby M. Carpenter, Huntersville, NC. In addition, she has two surviving brothers, Gary G. Braught, husband of Pat Braught, Carlisle, PA and William G. Braught, Jr., husband of Linda Presz, Marathon, FL and a surrogate son/nephew William Braught III, husband of Rose Braught, Mechanicsburg, PA.

Rita graduated from Carlisle High School and enjoyed lifelong friendships with many of her classmates from the Class of ‘62. She worked in the medical field first as an Office Manager for neurologist, Dr. Barry Moore of Camp Hill, PA. She went on to earn her R.N. Degree from Harrisburg Area Community College and worked as a nurse in several nursing homes and hospitals in the CumberlandValley. She went into private practice as the family’s nurse always available to dispense medical advice and comfort.

Having built two previous homes in New Bloomfield, PA, Rita went on to renovate a beautiful colonial home that became Harmony Hall Bed & Breakfast in Carlisle, PA, a business that she ran for 10 years. Other projects and activities that she enjoyed included, traveling, buying and selling antiques,refurbishing antique trunks, reading, crafting and spending time with her family and friends. She loved animals, especially her dogs- Bridget, Max, Demi and Willow, who will be happy to see her.

Rita refused to grow old. In her 50’s she began doing a cartwheel a day just to prove she could. After knee surgery the cartwheels came to an end and she discovered yoga. As a woman in her early 70’s she could easily out bend the youngest in the yoga studio and was asked to become a teacher, but she was too busy for that as she sought out her next adventure, moving through the world with kindness and joy.

We will gather on Sunday, October 27, 2019 for a catered Reception at 10:30 AM to be followed by a Memorial Service at 11:30 AM in the Crockett Room at the Allenberry Resort located at 1559 Boiling Springs Rd., Boiling Springs, PA.

Online condolences and memories may be left for the family at kepnerfh.com.