Lester Frank Rittle, Conley’s Church member

Lester Frank Rittle, 91, of Lewes, passed away Wednesday, July 8, 2020, at Delaware Hospice Center in Milford. He was born Dec. 24, 1928, in Lebanon, Pa., son of the late Howard and Edna (Ziegler) Rittle.

Mr. Rittle worked as a milk distributor for 50 years. After retirement he was a member of the Ebenezar Fire Company and captain of the Lebanon Auxiliary Police. Mr. Rittle was also employed with Hershey Park in security after his second retirement. He was a self-taught musician and played accordion with the Back Bay Strummers. He enjoyed fishing, reading, and listening to polka music. Most of all, Mr. Rittle had a passion for living life at the shore. He was an active member of Conley's United Methodist Church in Lewes.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Rittle was preceded in death by his daughter, Darlene Marks; his grandson, Kyle Marks; his granddaughter, Rebecca Dullebawn; his brother, Walter Rittle; and his sister, Grace Butler. He is survived by his beloved wife of 18 years, Marilyn (Stoltzfus) Valentine-Rittle of Lewes; his daughter, Leslee Showers of Milford; his stepsons: Robert Thomas and his wife Monica of Lebanon, and James Cameron Thomas (Cam) and his wife Francis (Fran) of Lebanon; his stepdaughter, Gaye Salem and her husband Ronald of Myerstown, Pa.; his 13 grandchildren; his 24 great-grandchildren; his great-great-grandchild; his two great-great-great-grandchildren; his brother, Lloyd Rittle of Fredericksburg, Pa.; his sisters: Sylvia Yeagley of Myerstown, Pa., and Cora Shutter of Lebanon; and his numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Due to the restrictions associated with COVID-19, the family will hold a celebration of life at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.

Please visit Mr. Rittle's Life Memorial webpage and sign his online guest book at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.