Rita Blair Parady, 82, took her last trip home September 5th, 2026. The 5th child of Charles and Ruby Blair.
She was predeceased by her parents and four older siblings William Blair, Kenneth Blair, Thomas Blair and Mary Blair Kegley.
Surviving are her husband of 35 years Richard, her younger brother James Blair and wife Susie, and her son Kenneth Ford.
Born in McAlester, OK the family soon moved to Durant, OK where she grew up and attended school, eventually graduating from Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
Her first marriage ended in divorce but produced a son, the absolute light of her life.
She worked for years at General Dynamics in Ft Worth, TX as a Tech Analyst and became very tech-savvy during the rapid rise of computer use in business and manufacturing.
She married a long time friend, Dick in 1991 at the end of his Air Force career and they moved to Oriskany, VA. They lived there 20 years pursuing their mutual dream of building a log house in the woods. Eventually they recognized the prudence of having medical help more easily accessible and moved to Green Ridge Village in Newville, PA, a place closer to civilization but retaining the rural atmosphere.
Rita’s passion was music, especially singing. She sang in community choruses and every school and church choir she attended, learned to play the autoharp and was a founding member of the Oriskany Strings, an old-timey string band that performed Carter Family style music at numerous venues in Southwestern VA and NC.
She also loved to cook, especially bake. Her pies were always a welcome contribution to pot lucks and family gatherings.
She was a vibrant life force with an infectious smile and outgoing personality. Her stepfamily accepted her, warts and all, with love and affection which she returned in kind.
Others dealing with her loss are step daughter Katharine Dill and family Jeffery, Josh and Katelyn; step daughter Elizabeth Parady and family Peter Hauer, Thelonious and Gustavus.
In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to convey condolences should consider King Memorial Community Church, Oriskany, VA. 24130.
A memorial service will be held Saturday September 26, 2026 at 11 a.m. in the Newville Church of the Brethren, 16 Carlisle Road, Newville, PA.
A visitation will be held in the church from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday the 26th.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rita, please visit the floral store.
Arrangements are entrusted to Egger Funeral Home.
