Obituary of Rita D. Middendorf Lupold

The earthly bloom has faded, but a heavenly rose has blossomed. At sunset on September 11, 2014, Rita Middendorf Lupold, 96, was peacefully called home to her Lord, with the love of her family praying for her. Born in Friendsville, PA, on September 26, 1917, Rita was the adored Mother of nine children and 1 foster daughter, and the last of the Stanley siblings. She was Grandmother to dozens, as well as Great and Great-great grandmother to many more. Rita passionately loved God’s creation: flowers, plants, cats, and her family. For many years, Rita was a legend and the Flower Lady of Southside Owego. Whenever there was a need for celebration, for comfort, or simply for fellowship, Rita would grace the tables of friends and neighbors with the beauty and sweet aroma of a carefully arranged bouquet from her splendid flower gardens. For many years, Rita sold nursery stock. With each plant came stern, but loving, advice on how to coax the most beauty from the plant. Heaven’s flower gardens will surely be well tended. Even more than her plants, Rita loved her family and her extended family, especially entertaining and feeding all. It was well known that when you entered her home, you were family. Everyone was welcomed, fed, and invited to laugh. In time of trouble, Rita’s words were always the same: “I will pray for you.” She took special joy in each of her grandchildren, and going to Grandma’s house holds precious memories for all. A favorite pastime, fishing, became the subject of many stories. It seems Grandma always caught the biggest fish! Rita is survived by her children and their spouses, Virginia (Ginger) Dayton Sullivan, Jerry (Bill) and Kathy Middendorf, Betty and Jerry Pencek, Bob and Cheryl Middendorf, Wayne and Cindy Middendorf, Judy Morgan, Dennis and Jo-Ann Middendorf, Tony and Brenda Middendorf, and Matt Middendorf. Also surviving are her many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Rita was predeceased by her first husband and father of her children, Gerald R. Middendorf in 1971, and her second husband and beloved stepfather of her children, Raymond Lupold in 2009. Also predeceasing Rita were her parents, thirteen siblings, her foster daughter Mary Stetson, and her granddaughter, Elizabeth Anne Middendorf. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, September 15, 2014 at 11:00 am at St. Partricks Church, 300 Main St., Owego with Rev. Thomas Valenti officiating with burial to follow in the parish cemetery. Family invites friends to call from 2 to 4 PM on Sunday, September 14, 2014 at Estey, Munroe & Fahey Funeral Home, 15 Park St., Owego. The family is sincerely grateful to the staff of Riverview Manor for their loving care of Rita, and for the compassionate attention to the family during Rita’s last days. Memorial donations may be made in Rita’s name to Tioga County Rural Ministry or Owego Emergency Squad.