Rita Harsh

Rita Joyce (Rogers) Harsh, age 87, departed this life from her farm home near Eglon, WV to meet her Creator she so desired to meet on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, after a struggle with essential tremors.  She was born on July 31, 1933 in Mineral County, a daughter to the late Otho and Edith Roger.

She is survived by her faithful, loving husband of 68 years, Arvin; two daughters, Krista Hayes and husband Charles, and Sue Corbin and husband Richard; son, Ronnie Harsh and wife Delores; four grandchildren, Kevin Corbin and wife Bridget, Brian Corbin and wife Mindy, Kari Harsh, Tyler Harsh and wife Kali; five great grandchildren, Clayton Corbin, Charlotte Corbin, Jaxson Corbin, Kirra and Elias Harsh.

In addition to her parents, Rita was preceded in death by her brother, Otho Rogers, Jr.

Rita graduated from Keyser High School and attended Potomac State College. She began her married life working side by side with Arvin on their dairy farm and raising three young children.  Several years later, they moved to Arivn's family farm and began beef farming, which is still in operation today, as an Angus farm by other family members.  Rita was very talented as a homemaker and was a beautiful seamstress.  She taught her daughters how to sew, while creating clothes for her family.  She loved gardening and canning.  Rita was always ready to help her daughter, who was a teacher, make materials for use in her classroom. She loved the simple things in life, like feeding and watching the birds from her kitchen window.  She was always ready to help family members with any project that could use her talents.  Rita loved her neighbors and was always happy to spend time with them. She was a devoted Christian, a member of Maple Spring Church, and loved her church family.  Arvin and Rita were Deacons at the church for many years and devoted uncountable hours, sharing their time and talents to serve the church. Rita loved gospel music and sang in the church choir.  In her earlier years, she played the guitar and piano, and often the family gathered around her, learning to sing.  She and Arvin were youth leaders for several years while their children were in that age group.

A private family graveside service was held at the Maple Spring Cemetery on Friday, May 14th lead by Rev. Mark Teets.  The family requests that any gifts to remember Rita be sent to the Maple Spring Church Family Life Center, Treasurer, 671 Eglon Rd. Eglon, WV 26716, or your local Hospice or Hospice at 5006 Mid Atlantic Dr. Morgantown, WV 26508.