Fay L. Rathkey, 74, died unexpectedly of natural causes on Monday, February 3, 2014 at the Heart of Lancaster Regional Medical Center, Lititz. Born in Landisville, she was the daughter of the late Ross M. and Myrtle Dunkelberger Fair. Fay worked as a hair dresser for Kay Summy Beauty Salon, Manheim, the former Kelly’s Deli in Lititz, and was a school crossing guard for the Warwick School District at the Lititz Elementary School for 20 years. She was the loving wife of John H. “Jack” Rathkey Jr. and they observed their 53rd wedding anniversary in July of last year. Fay was a member of the Trinity Evangelical Congregational Church, Lititz, taught Sunday school in her early years, and served as sexton with her husband at the church for 30 years. She was also a member of the Lititz Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. Her interests included: crocheting, knitting, baking & cooking. Fay had a life-long passion for her family, and enjoyed participating in activities with her husband, children, and grandchildren.
Surviving in addition to her husband, are two daughters: Lisa A. wife of John Rapp Jr. of Millersville, Julia A. wife of John Welsh of Lititz, a son, Scott W. husband of Cynthia Burke Rathkey of Lititz, eight grandchildren, one step granddaughter, a brother, Ross G. “Whitey” husband of Carol Fair of Lititz, and three sisters: Janet wife of Harry Reynolds Sr. of Lititz, Martha wife of John Decker Jr. of Lititz, and Alta wife of Donald Hamric of Lancaster. She was preceded in death by a brother, Frank M. Fair and a sister, Alice Deitz.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service at the Trinity Evangelical Congregational Church, 44 East Orange Street, Lititz, on Friday, February 7, 2014 at 10:30 AM. Interment will be held at Conestoga Memorial Park, Lancaster. There will be a public viewing at the Buch Funeral Home, 21 Market Square, Manheim, on Thursday evening from 6:30 PM until 8:00 PM with additional viewing on Friday morning at the church from 9:30 AM until the time of the service.
Those desiring may send contributions in Fay’s memory to American Diabetes Association, 301 Chestnut Street, Suite 101, Harrisburg, PA 17101.